Israel Adesnaya lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in Sydney. Photo: PhotoSport / David Neilson
Once heated rivals, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has offered his support to Israel Adesanya following his decision to take an extended break from the cage.
The pair previously shared a fiery feud, taking shots at each other on both mainstream and social media.
After Jones admitted Adesanya was his favourite UFC fighter, an Instagram post confirmed the public beef was squashed.
Jones has now extended the olive branch even further after Adesanya announced he was taking an indefinite hiatus from fighting
"Hey @stylebender. I just want to let you know I support your decision to take a break from fighting. Taking those last three years off was one of the best decisions I've made. Always put YOU first brother. Protect your heart, protect your mimd & spirit. Proud of you Champ," Jones wrote on Twitter.
Jones, the current pound for pound king, recently claimed the heavyweight crown after a three year layoff and a move up divisions.
Jon Jones has spoken out in support of Israel Adesanya. Photo: SUPPLIED
It has been a rough period for Adesanya who lost his middleweight belt to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and plead guilty to a drunk driving charge just a few weeks later.
Speaking to THE ROCK radio station, the Last Stylebender revealed his immediate future plans.
"I don't make excuse, congrats to the other side. They did well, Strickland got me on the night. Now I'm going to take time to look after myself. I'm not going to fight for a long time but stay tuned."
The 34-year-old cited the fact he has been the most active UFC champion in recent years, fighting four times in fourteen months.
"I know I'm on the back end of my career. So I want to do as many as I can, because I know I'm gonna miss this s***. But now i'm going to take time to look after myself. Heal myself up. Four fights in the last 14 months. It takes a toll on your body."
He intends to enjoy his time over summer away from the fight game.
"I've got a passport, I've got time and I've got money."
However, he said he will be back.
"I'm definitely not going to retire because I know me. I'm not I'm gonna leave. But if if I did, I'm fine. I don't need to prove anything else. But I know what I can do. I know what I can change my lifestyle to make my body adapt to where I need to be. And when I come back, f****** run for the hills."
