‘That really bothered me’… Jon Jones reveals the one fighter he couldn’t game plan for because of his ‘random knockouts’

Jon Jones has fought many great fighters in his time, but he really struggled to put a plan together against any of his light heavyweight rivals.

The legend, known for studying tape, couldn't figure out the best method to beat this talented competitor.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Jon Jones could not train Ovince St Preux

At UFC 197, on April 23, 2016, at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Jon Jones defended his title against Ovince St Preux.

Entering the match, 'OSP' struck fear into the icon's heart with his dangerous style in the cage.

Jones, known for planning his performances down to the second, found himself in disarray in the build-up to the match as he was unable to map out the clearest path to victory.

Therefore, when the night of the battle arrived, he had to resort to something he didn't really want to do.

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During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, he said: “The main thing about Ovince that really bothered me is that he was still so green and raw skill-wise. I study everyone extensively, and then I figure out their patterns.

“With Ovince St Preux he doesn't know what he's going to do. He's so unorthodox. He gets random knockouts from these weird angles and wings and almost closes his eyes, and the next thing he's knocking someone out.

“So the scary thing about him is he's so unpredictable, and I had a lot at stake.

“I said, 'You know what? This man is in a shell. He's been on the defensive the whole fight,' and I thought, 'I'm just going to go through the fight and not really risk anything.'

“I felt like I was letting myself down because most of the time I just took them out.”

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Eight years after his clash with St Preux, Jones finds himself in a similar position as the man who now holds the UFC interim heavyweight title, Tom Aspinall, is also a tough opponent to study for.

And that may be why fans are speculating that 'Bones' is 'dodging' the potential match.

The talented MMA star has turned down the possibility of an epic fight more than once, casting aside his rival's skills.

However, one of the undisputed champion's former opponents is adamant he owes the Englishman more respect.

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