“Izzy, I want to let you know that I support your decision to take a break from fighting,” the American wrote on social media. “Taking three years off was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Always put yourself first bro. Protect your heart, your mind, and your spirit. Proud of you, Champ!”
Two days earlier, the Nigerian announced that he was taking an extended break, while not ruling out that he may never return to the octagon again.
Recall that on September 9 at UFC 293 in Sydney, Sean Strickland, who took the fight on short notice, sensationally defeated Israel Adesanya by unanimous decision and became the new UFC middleweight champion.
As for Jon Jones, who won the vacant heavyweight championship belt in March of this year after a three-year hiatus from fighting, he will make his title defense against former division champion Stipe Miocic on November 11 at UFC 295 in New York City.