And Still: Heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones retained his world title with a dominant performance at UFC 309, topped off by a picture-perfect spinning back kick to the body.
The consensus greatest UFC fighter of all time revealed at the post-fight press conference that he’d specifically drilled that knockout shot for the last three months of training camp – something that he’s incredibly grateful for now that it’s all said and done.
Jon Jones reveals he trained knockout kick ‘three hours a week for several months’
At UFC 309 this past weekend, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones did what Jon ‘Bones’ Jones was expected to do, i.e., dominate Stipe Miocic from the opening bell all the way to the final shot; a stunning spinning back kick to the body in the third round.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Jones revealed that he’d actually been spending several hours each week drilling that exact kick in preparation for his long-awaited return to action.
“One thing that I’m really excited about was that spinning back kick, I have amazing coaches… But I really want to give a shoutout to my Taekwondo coach Page Bates from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“About six months ago, we started doing that spinning back kick, he would come over to my house three days a week and I’ve worked that same kick from both stances, three hours a week for several months.”
The knockout of Stipe Miocic is the 28th win of Jones’ career and the 12th finish that he’s scored in the UFC promotion; although he would also tease that his latest weapon is becoming more dangerous with each and every attempt.
“Bruce Lee said that he doesn’t fear the man who knows 10,000 kicks but the man who’s worked one kick 10,000 times – man, I put a lot of work in with that spinning back kick.
“It’s getting faster and more unpredictable, there’s really no tell of when it’s coming and it’s a devastating shot… It sends shockwaves through a person’s body; it can break a rib.”
Whilst Jones would admit that he was “really proud” of himself for being able to pull off such a slick move in such an enormous title fight, he was even more proud of those who have stuck by him through thick and thin.
Jon Jones celebrates the ‘loyalty’ his team have shown him after UFC 309
As reporter McKenzie Pavacich aptly noted in her post-fight interview with the champ, Jones entered Madison Square Garden with potentially ‘the best corner in UFC history’ – and he’s looking forward to paying those dues back.
“I feel amazing, my hand is a little swollen but outside of that, I’m ready to have a great time with my team… My immediate team, these guys have been so faithful, so loyal and just so committed – I’m excited to show these guys a great time tonight.
“The guys have been just so committed; it’s been a long time coming to get to this place. We’ve lost some coaches along the way, not to death but just separation you know, and my guys have been loyal.”
Not only did Jones have Jiu-Jitsu legend Gordan Ryan in his corner but had been spending time with wrestling ace Gable Steveson to sharpen his tools.
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“A lot of them have been incredibly loyal [to me] and I’m just so glad to give them these accolades; you know, some of them are like 17-time world champions and that’s just really cool to have on their resume.
“I’m glad that they stuck with me and chose me to invest in, and I’m glad to give them a great return.”
Jones would later label Steveson as a future champion of the UFC, whenever he finally decides to enter the sport.
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