And yet: Heavyweight champion Jon 'Bones' Jones retained his world title with a dominant performance at UFC 309, capped by a stunning spinning back kick to the body.
The greatest UFC fighter of all time revealed at the post-fight press conference that he specifically drilled that knockout shot for the final three months of training camp – something he's incredibly grateful for now that it's all said and done.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Jon Jones reveals he trained a knockout kick 'three hours a week for months'
At UFC 309 this past weekend, Jon “Bones” Jones did what was expected of Jon “Bones” Jones, dominating Stipe Miocic from the opening bell to the final shot; a stunning spinning back kick to the body in the third round.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Jones revealed that he actually spent several hours a week drilling that exact kick in preparation for his long-awaited return to action.
“One thing I'm really excited about is that spinning back kick. I have great coaches… But I really want to give a shoutout to my Taekwondo coach Page Bates from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“About six months ago we started doing that spinning back kick. He came to my house three days a week and I worked that same kick from both positions, three hours a week for several months.”
The knockout of Stipe Miocic is the 28th win of Jones' career and the 12th finish he has achieved in the UFC promotion; although he would also tease that his latest weapon is becoming more dangerous with each attempt.
“Bruce Lee said he is not afraid of the man who knows 10,000 kicks, but of the man who has performed one kick 10,000 times. Man, I put a lot of work into that spinning backpedal.
“It becomes faster and more unpredictable, you don't know when it's coming and it's a devastating shot… It sends shock waves through someone's body; it can break a rib.”
While Jones would admit he was “very proud” of himself for pulling off such a slick move in such a huge title fight, he was even prouder of those who have supported him through thick and thin.
Jon Jones celebrates the 'loyalty' his team showed him after UFC 309
As reporter McKenzie Pavacich aptly noted in her post-fight interview with the champion, Jones entered Madison Square Garden with potentially “the best corner in UFC history” – and he looks forward to paying back those dues.
“I feel great, my hand is a little swollen, but other than that I'm ready to have a great time with my team… My immediate team, these guys are so faithful, so loyal and just so dedicated – I'm Me I'm glad I can give these guys a great time tonight.
“The boys have been so dedicated; It took a long time to reach this place. We've lost some coaches along the way, not to death, but just to divorce, you know, and my guys have been loyal.
Not only did Jones have Jiu-Jitsu legend Gordan Ryan in his corner, but he also spent time with wrestling ace Gable Steveson to sharpen his tools.
“A lot of them have been incredibly loyal [to me] and I am so happy to be able to give them these awards; You know, some of them are 17-time world champions and that's just really cool to have on their resume.
“I'm glad they stuck with me and chose me to invest in, and I'm glad I can provide them with great returns.”
Jones would later label Steveson as a future champion of the UFC whenever he eventually decides to enter the sport.
Related posts
Comments