In more of Jon Jone’s recent battles, the storyline seems to be that his opponent will be stronger and more athletic. Jones faces Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 on February 8th.
Jones does not take that statement lightly at all. Jones has a brother, Chandler Jones who is a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals. Jon Jones wrestled in high school and was even a state champion. It would be an understatement to say that Jones does not have an athletic DNA.
Jones has fought the likes of Ovince Saint Preuz and Ryan Bader both of who played D1 college football. Daniel Cormier who Jones defeated twice wrestled at Oklahoma State. Still, Dominick Reyes has stated in the leadup to the fight that Jones has never faced an athlete. Jones responded to these statements during fight week.
“He’s fought wrestlers he’s fought strikers but never athletes“ -DR
probably the dumbest thing I’ve heard in a while
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 3, 2020
Jones is no stranger to being underlooked for his athletic accolades. He went on to list all the athletes he has defeated.
DC competed in the NCAA finals and in the Olympics, OSP played Division I football, Bader the current double Champ of Bellator, Vitor crazy speed and explosive, Lyoto had been striking since age 5, Glover was on a 20 fight win streak but none of those guys are athletes I guess🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/EIH0FrQQSL
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 3, 2020
Jones ended his twitter rant going on the offensive and pointing out that Reyes isn’t as athletic as he may think he is.
Beating up on cans has got him convinced he’s a better athlete than most of the world. If he was so badass he would’ve won the California state wrestling championships, he would’ve went division one, He would have at least made a practice squad for the NFL. This man is delusional
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 3, 2020
UFC 247 will be an opportunity for both men to prove who is more athletic. In the co-main event Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko will face off with Katlyn Chookagian.