Jon Jones showcased incredible heroism just hours before the biggest fight of his life at UFC 128.
Jon Jones‘ UFC career is marked by the highest of highs and some of the lowest of lows. But, Jones and his team had no way of predicting what would happen just hours before Jones’ title win over Shogun Rua at UFC 128.
After defeating Ryan Bader at UFC 126, Joe Rogan announced to the world that Jones would be offered a short-notice title shot against Rua at UFC 128. He replaced the injured Rashad Evans, one of Jones’ former teammates at Jackson-Wink MMA in New Mexico.
Jones knocked out Rua in what at the time was one of the most stunning performances in UFC history. He became the UFC’s youngest-ever champion (23) with his title victory at UFC 128.
As the nerves blanketed Jones just hours before the Rua fight, a trip to a local park to meditate turned into an impromptu crime fight. After a Spanish couple was mugged at a Paterson, New Jersey park, Jones and his coaches rushed into action, eventually taking down the suspect and holding him until local police arrived.
Jon Jones and his coaches chased down a robber on UFC 128 fight day
Shortly after the incident, Jones took to Twitter to explain what happened just hours before UFC 128.
“So while we were at the park today, a crackhead smashed this old lady’s car window and took off running with her GPS just as we were pulling up. Right away… Coach Wink goes after this guy. I was shocked and stood there for a second,” Jones said.
“Then I threw my phone down and went with my coaches. Before you know it, we’re sprinting up a steep hill chasing after him… I turned the jets on… we caught the guy. We got the lady’s GPS back… It feels so good to help others. It gives me power and energy… Coach Jackson is a hero! I caught him… Coach Jackson finished him… #crackheadshavenocardio.”
In an infamous vlog clip, UFC CEO Dana White told Joe Rogan of the incident as the two arrived at The Prudential Center in Newark, to which Rogan replied “Jon Jones is a goddamn superhero!”.
Jones also further detailed the incident at his UFC 128 post-fight press conference with his belt in tow. He spent almost 10 minutes explaining what happened and what led to the robber’s eventual arrest.
UFC 309 is potentially Jon Jones’ final fighting act
13 years later, Jones will make potentially his final walk to the Octagon at UFC 309. After winning the UFC heavyweight title last year, he’ll look to successfully defend it against former titleholder Stipe Miocic in the main event.
Jones is arguably the greatest UFC fighter of all time after a legendary run in the cage. He’s defeated a slew of fighting legends during his multiple title reigns, earning wins over the likes of UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier and two-time rival Alexander Gustafsson.
As of this writing, Jones is uncertain what the future brings post-UFC 309. He’s teased retirement, but could potentially face interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to unify the belts if he gets past Miocic.
Jones isn’t the only current or former UFC fighter to put on a superhero’s cape outside the Octagon. UFC fan favorite Kevin Holland has stopped a shooting, a carjacking, and other crimes during his fighting career in Texas.
Ahead of one of the biggest fights of his career, Jones will look to rise to the occasion once again. Hopefully, he won’t have to expend pre-fight energy on stopping crime in New York City.