The undisputed champ of the mixed martial arts world these days, Jon “Bones” Jones was in my neighbourhood yesterday appearing at the MMA Expo Show as part of MMA Live 1 London. Bones talked to all his fans, signed every autograph and posed for every photo request made, in a pure display of how star athletes should treat the fans that come out to see them.
As I stood there and waited for a word with the champ, he spoke pleasantly to everyone that came up to him. The MMA Expo was holding a jiu jitsu competition in the main bowl and I could hear Jones ask each little guy that came up to him if they were competing today, because he was excited to catch some of the action.
Imagine how jacked up these kids were to know that Jon Jones was interested in watching them grapple. After his appearance session was done, Bones was kind enough to speak with me on one condition.
“Can we go out there and do this because I want to watch some jiu jitsu?” he asked. Well who am I to argue with the champ?
Right before we went out, his manager had already told me, “Sure, you can have a minute, but no Rashad questions, and no injury questions.” I soldiered on.
DW: So Jon, with the new announcement involving Twitter bonuses, and as a martial artist, do you see that Twitter is a good thing?
JJ: Absolutely, it gives the fighter a real opportunity to connect with and also reward fans through Twitter.
DW: And for you, you know, going from a hero recently and now you seem to be taking some heat on the airwaves and twitter heat, how are you doing there? Are you ok dealing with that?
JJ: Oh for sure man. You know, I look at those people and I feel that they are upset or talking about Bones you know, the character, they aren’t talking about me the person. My friends and family all know me and that’s the important thing.
DW: Speaking of that, who would win a fight in your family? Your family dinners?
With that question I got a chuckle out of Jon’s manager and a weird look and smile from Bones but also a quick and honest answer.
JJ: Arthur. Yeah, I would say he would probably still be the man. He’s big man, he still wrestles. He’s a tough guy I would say. He’s strong and could hold me down.
DW: But you have the strikes though right?
JJ: Yeah, I have the strikes for sure.
I was expecting Bones to say he himself is the toughest and would win, but his brother Arthur is a defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, as well as an accomplished wrestler. Now I know Jones can be beaten, and I know the man he thinks can do it.
DW: So Machida or Rampage? What do you think?
JJ: It doesn’t matter to me at all, they are both tough fighters and I’m here to fight the best.
DW: And you were just here for UFC 129 as well, did you enjoy the week?
JJ: I had a great time man, I love Canada and all the fans.
DW: Will you please push to be a headliner up here so we can see it live?
JJ: I’ll fight anywhere man. Wherever they want me to go I go.
Jon Jones is a champion who clearly knows how to be a champion. He was a pleasure to talk to, even though he is an absolute nightmare to fight.
I want Jones vs. Machida soon, and I’m greedy—I want the fight in Canada so I can try to see it live.
Dwight Wakabayashi is a Correspondent for Bleacher Report. (Also a Correspondent for MMACanada.net.) All quotes were obtained first-hand.
Catch me on Twitter at wakafighter
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