Holly Holm earned a lot of new supporters Saturday night after UFC 193. But even before she knocked off Ronda Rousey to score one of the biggest upsets in MMA history and nab the UFC women’s bantamweight title, Holm already had a few fans in high places.
One of them is Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound kingpin who just returned from formal suspension. Jones and Holm train together at the vaunted Jackson-Winkeljohn camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
After Holm‘s massive win, Jones took to Facebook (h/t Jonathan Bradley of Fox Sports) to praise Holm and her historic victory:
Words can’t express how proud I am right now! Honestly can’t think of anyone else who deserves to be a champion more than Holly Holm Congratulations big sis!
Posted by Jon “Bones” Jones on Saturday, November 14, 2015
Jones also sent a tweet—rare for the former champ these days—in celebration of his teammate.
Because you can @_HOLLYHOLM
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 15, 2015
Holm (10-0) was a monstrous underdog coming into UFC 193, which was held in Melbourne, Australia. Nevertheless, she dominated the previously indomitable Rousey (12-1) from horn to horn by steering clear of the champ’s bull rush and stunning Rousey with a string of straight left hands. At one point, Holm even escaped from Rousey‘s signature armbar.
A ringing head kick felled Rousey and made the upset official at 59 seconds into the second round.
Jones was suspended earlier this year after he was charged in connection with a hit-and-run vehicle collision that left a pregnant woman with a fractured arm.
In late September, Jones pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident but served no jail time after reaching a plea deal. The UFC subsequently reinstated Jones after handing him an indefinite suspension after Jones’ arrest.
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