Before ‘Bones’ expressed interest in facing ‘Poatan’ for the ‘BMF’ (UFC’s toughest fighter) belt, now he has opened the door to face Jamahal Hill and Derrick Lewis. And the three athletes mentioned by the MMA legend are relevant. The Brazilian holds the light heavyweight title (93 kg) and is a popular phenomenon, ‘Sweet Dreams’ is a former champion at 93 kg and ‘The Black Beast’ is the most successful artist in the history of the series.
“After this fight, if I put in a great performance I’m willing to leave the heavyweight belt and fight for fun. I’ve had a big chip on my shoulder throughout my career because I’ve had to protect it. I don’t want it. to the end, but I just want to fight for fun. Hill, he and I in the 100 kg to see what happens. It would be interesting. I have an interesting weight, I can fight light heavyweights and heavyweights. Lewis, the greatest knockout artist in UFC history. I’m just giving random names,” Jones said.
Decision explained
It is true that part of the MMA community is campaigning for Jon Jones, in the event of a victory over Miocic, to continue competing and fight Tom Aspinall. However, the American denies that he has any intention of challenging for the interim UFC heavyweight championship. According to the 37-year-old athlete, the responsibility of defending the title is so great that, after years of dominance in the light heavyweight division, he no longer wants that pressure on him.
In fact, this is not the first time that Jones has left his belt. By deciding to move up from light heavyweight to heavyweight in the UFC, ‘Bones’ won the division title. Therefore, as the athlete today has the status of an MMA legend due to his achievements and is flirting with retirement, he just wants to enjoy his last moments in the Octagon.
“One of my teammates, Cerrone, is fighting. Win, lose or draw, he fights. I’d love to get that for the first time in my career. I’m at bodyweight now where I was in there to have fun fights. That’s what I want to do fun fights for me, not necessarily for the fans, but for me. We’ll see if Dana allows me to do that or not”, said the athlete.
How can aspiring fighters learn from ‘Bones’ approach to competition and mindset in the octagon?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and MMA Expert Dr. Fiona Larsson
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on the latest in MMA! Today, we’re diving into the exciting developments surrounding the legendary fighter ‘Bones’ and his potential matchups with ‘Poatan,’ Jamahal Hill, and Derrick Lewis. Joining us to shed light on this is MMA expert Dr. Fiona Larsson. Welcome, Fiona!
Dr. Fiona Larsson: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here to discuss these thrilling prospects in the UFC.
Editor: So, let’s get straight to it. What do you think about ‘Bones’ expressing interest in facing not just ‘Poatan’ for the elusive ‘BMF’ belt, but also the likes of Jamahal Hill and Derrick Lewis?
Dr. Larsson: It’s a fascinating development! ‘Bones’ has always been one of the most versatile fighters in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. By indicating a willingness to fight both Hill and Lewis, he’s asserting his status as a top contender across multiple weight classes. It not only showcases his confidence but also opens the door to some incredibly entertaining matchups.
Editor: You mentioned versatility. ‘Bones’ has traditionally fought at light heavyweight, but now he’s contemplating a move up. How does his skill set translate between these two classes?
Dr. Larsson: That’s a great question. ‘Bones’ possesses a unique combination of speed, reach, and technique that transcends weight classes. His striking is dynamic, and he has exceptional grappling skills, which give him an advantage against heavier opponents. The weight difference does affect the dynamics, but with his experience, he can adapt his game plan accordingly.
Editor: And then we have Jamahal Hill, who currently holds the light heavyweight title. What makes a matchup between ’Bones’ and Hill so intriguing?
Dr. Larsson: Hill is a powerful striker with a track record of solid performances. A clash between him and ‘Bones’ would be a high-stakes battle of finesse versus power. If ‘Bones’ moves to light heavyweight, it would be a true test of his adaptability and skill against a champion who is also looking to solidify his legacy. Fans love these kinds of stylistic matchups!
Editor: Derrick Lewis is another name that pops up. He’s renowned for his knockout power. What kind of strategy would ‘Bones’ need to employ against ‘The Black Beast’?
Dr. Larsson: Fighting Derrick Lewis is a unique challenge. His knockout ability is unmatched in UFC history, and he can turn the tide of a fight in a heartbeat. ‘Bones’ would need to utilize his movement and striking range to keep Lewis at bay, possibly looking to take the fight to the ground where he can leverage his grappling. Avoiding stand-up exchanges while respecting Lewis’s power would be crucial.
Editor: You also mentioned that ‘Bones’ is seeking to fight for fun, rather than just titles. How do you think this mindset changes a fighter’s performance in the octagon?
Dr. Larsson: This shift in mindset can be incredibly liberating for a fighter. When there’s less pressure to maintain a title or an undefeated record, it allows for a more relaxed and creative fighting style. Many fighters perform their best when they’re having fun, and we’ve seen it lead to some of their most creative and thrilling performances.
Editor: As we wrap up, what can fans expect from these potential matchups; are there any takeaways for aspiring fighters from ’Bones’ open attitude toward competition?
Dr. Larsson: Fans can expect high-energy, competitive fights regardless of the outcomes. For aspiring fighters, ‘Bones’ attitude underscores the importance of versatility and the ability to adapt. It also emphasizes that fighting should be enjoyable. Embracing challenges, whether you’re protecting a title or exploring new opponents, can lead to personal growth and memorable moments in the sport.
Editor: Wise words, Fiona! Thank you for your insights today. We’re all excited to see how this unfolds in the octagon!
Dr. Larsson: Thank you! I can’t wait either—oh, the thrill of combat sports is truly unparalleled!