UFC light-heavyweight Jon “Bones” Jones (11-1) has a new obsession and it’s solely focused on his upcoming opponent Ryan Bader.
With verbal agreements in place for both fighters to meet sometime in the New Year, likely at UFC 127 on Feb. 5th, both fighters have some time to learn about their opponent and prepare for their fight.
For Jones, it’s become an obsession and it isn’t something that bothers him.
“I’m obsessed with the guy. It’s a great feeling. I want to get to know Ryan Bader as if I was his coach or his trainer. I want to know what his tendencies are, what punch he throws the most, what makes him want to shoot his double-leg, where is his mental security blanket is in the Octagon. You know, where does he like to shoot? Does he like to shoot in the middle of the cage or against the cage? Every time I watch a fight I pick up something different. I just like to study. There’s a quote that says, ‘If you know yourself and you know your opponent, you shouldn’t fear the results of 100 battles.’ Just really being prepared gives you a lot of confidence.”
Check out more of Jones interview as he discusses more of his Bader obsession over at MMAFighting.com.