Following his win at UFC Louisville this past weekend, former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, Dominick Reyes, took the chance to remind everyone of his close fight against Jon Jones back in 2020.
Dominick Reyes picked up his first win in five years this past weekend at UFC Louisville, knocking out Dustin Jacoby in round one.
Following his first win since 2019 when he knocked out Chris Weidman, Reyes decided to remind the fans of the close fight he had against Jon Jones, four years ago, claiming that ‘it’s a fact’ that he won the fight and that Jones will be remembered for losing to him.
Jon Jones slams Dominick Reyes in online response
The current UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, has been extremely active on social media over the past few months, responding to fans who have criticized him for not fighting interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in a title unification bout.
‘Bones’ took the chance to respond to Reyes’ comments after the 34-year-old surprisingly attempted to resurface the rivalry.
“What a claim to fame, almost beat Jon Jones. Got full of myself and literally couldn’t win another fight.” Jones replied on X.
Following his loss to Jones, Reyes went on to suffer three knockouts in a row, leading to him taking two years away from the sport before his return this past weekend.
Jones wasn’t aware that Reyes returned with a win this past Saturday, saying, “Oh what a nice surprise, I didn’t watch.”
“Dominick, when you look back at our fight, I don’t want you to ever question me or those judges. Look at your own heart, your own endurance, you didn’t do enough. The sooner you accept that the better athlete you’ll become.” Jones added.
Jones fires back at fans claiming Reyes beat him at UFC 247
In what was likely an attempt to get under Jones’ skin, one fan commented saying: “Reyes beat you that day, the whole world knows it. Then you vacated very quickly because everyone wanted to see a rematch.”
Following his win over Reyes, Jones took three years away from the Octagon to bulk up and make his permanent move to heavyweight.
Of course, ‘Bones’ responded by simply laughing it off and inviting continued criticism. “Now I vacated because everyone wanted the rematch? I love you guys with your narratives.
“I poke people in the eyes, my arms are longer, I’m bigger than everyone else, I must pay the judge, I’m ducking, no one’s in their prime when they fight me. Keep em’ coming.” the heavyweight champion stated.
Although Jones originally slammed Reyes for resurfacing their 2020 fight, the champion admitted that he watched Reyes’ recent KO and had a ‘smile on my face’.
“I watched the highlight of his TKO earlier and legit had a smile on my face. Deep down I have respect for all of my former opponents. I wish the best for all of them. Wish they could all just learn from the past and move on. I’d even be willing to train with most of them.” Jones admitted.
Jones’ scheduled title defense against Stipe Miocic is still yet to be rebooked, with rumors that it is being targeted for November at Madison Square Garden.