Jon Jones is gearing up for combat week.
The heavyweight champion is days away from defending his title in opposition to Stipe Miocic in the principle occasion of UFC 309 on Saturday at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York, and he’s tuning in to the cardboard’s pre-fight programming. Specifically, Jones took umbrage with Miocic’s alternative of phrases from the current UFC Countdown program.
“Carry it on, b*tch,” Miocic stated on the present.
Jones responded to the clip through an Instagram Story and on Twitter, which could be seen beneath (h/t Completely happy Punch).
“Hiring black fighters to imitate me won’t provide help to, Stipe,” Jones wrote. “And also you shouldn’t have referred to as me a bitch, the disrespect wasn’t crucial. Let’s play.”
For probably the most half, the rivalry between Jones and Miocic had been respectful previous to this trade. Jones has usually touted his respect for Miocic, the file holder for probably the most profitable defenses (4) of the UFC heavyweight title. The 2 had been first booked to combat at UFC 295 in December 2023, however a pectoral damage pressured Jones out of that matchup and put him on the sidelines for a number of months.
In Jones’ absence, British heavyweight Tom Aspinall defeated Sergei Pavlovich for an interim title and has efficiently defended it as soon as, defeating Curtis Blaydes this previous July. Aspinall has repeatedly expressed curiosity in unifying the titles, although Jones’ sights have been locked completely on Miocic.
Jones’ refusal to acknowledge Aspinall—the No. 1 heavyweight within the MMA Preventing World Rankings—because the true contender for his title has ruffled various feathers within the MMA neighborhood, with the all-time nice being accused of “ducking” Aspinall.
After responding to Miocic, Jones fired off one other collection of tweets responding to his critics, together with high gentle heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev, who additionally mocked Jones for not combating Aspinall.
Sound like somebody scary of massive TOM
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) November 9, 2024
Magomed jealousy received’t earn you legend standing, my good friend. Practice tougher, hate much less. Wish to really insult me? Break a few of my information first. Let’s get began.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 11, 2024
“Magomed, jealousy received’t earn you legend standing, my good friend,” Jones wrote. “Practice tougher, hate much less. Wish to really insult me? Break a few of my information first. Let’s get began.”
Ankalaev then posted a tweet poking enjoyable at Jones’ historical past of drug take a look at failures. Throughout Jones’ legendary run as gentle heavyweight king from 2011-2020, he put collectively arguably probably the most spectacular résumé in MMA historical past, defeating a litany of former world champions and elite challengers. Nevertheless, a pair of drug assessments serve to blemish his popularity, one which value him in an interim title in 2016 and one other that precipitated a championship win over Daniel Cormier in 2017 to be overturned to a no-contest.
See extra of Jones’ tweet storm as he responded to followers beneath.
It’s an honor to be so desired. I’m over right here as probably the most profitable fighters in MMA historical past listening to grade faculty insults. i’m gonna miss this someday. https://t.co/CRQJlX6l9R
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 11, 2024
It’s wild how narratives appear to seem out of skinny air. Stipe and I’ve been set to combat for ages, even earlier than the interim title bout. A few of y’all simply run with tales you want had been actual. https://t.co/UDitvWhsgX
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 11, 2024
I do know it’s exhausting for lots of you guys to understand,, however primarily based on his résumé at present, combating and beating him would change nothing about my legacy. I might actually be in the identical place I’m now. The Goat https://t.co/9vNS0Ga4gd
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 11, 2024
If he turns into one of the best of all time, then calling me a duck would make sense. Proper now? Manner too early. My problem to him: construct a profession like mine. Successful 5? Exhausting sufficient. 17? I severely doubt it. https://t.co/wxhVq9sQjj
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 11, 2024
I really like speaking MMA with you guys, hope y’all have a fantastic night time. –
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 11, 2024