UFC legend Anderson Silva has voiced his opinion that interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya crossed the lines with his recent remarks aimed at light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones, which instigated a war of words between the two.
“The way I see it, as an athlete, he disrespected Jon Jones,” Silva told reporters at a press event in his native Brazil this week. “I think for the business, for (UFC President) Dana (White), it’s great. It’s great business for the UFC. Regardless of whether they fight or not, the UFC wins – and the fans. But there is a lack of respect. I think he crossed the line a bit.”
Both Adesanya and Jones have each accused the other of starting the feud, but Silva feels that it’s down to Adesanya to show more respect to fighters like ‘Bones’ who have been at the top of the sport of many years.
“With time, he’ll learn how to deal with those things,” Silva said. “I think he has to respect everything Jon Jones has done. It’s two great fighters. In the future, who knows – they might fight. But I’m from a time when you have honor. You respect everyone’s space. And that’s my opinion.”
