According to ESPN, undisputed UFC 205-pound titlist Jon Jones says he has no intentions of fighting 185-pound champion and No. 1 pound-for-pound kingpin Anderson Silva.
“Man my man #AndersonSilva went to work tonight, consistently amazing,” Jones said. “I guess Anderson said he had no interest in fighting me at tonight’s press conference, I feel the same way about him. Nothing but respect.”
Silva later replied: “@JonnyBones good see you bro see you soon.”
At 23, “Bones” Jones became the youngest ever champion in the history of the Zuffa-based promotion when he brutally decimated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128.
The Endicott native followed up that impressive win with victories over a trio of the division’s former champions—Rashad Evans (unanimous decision), Lyoto Machida (guillotine choke) and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (rear-naked choke).
Ever since the aforementioned victories, the debate has raged as to whether Jones, ranked No. 3 in the pound-for-pound rankings, has the capability to defeat “The Spider”, and vice versa.
However, regardless of the pressure from the fans and media to get these two elite combatants in the same Octagon, both fighters have made it crystal clear that one of the most anticipated clashes in MMA history will never transpire.
Silva (32-4 MMA) is currently riding an incredible 15-fight win streak in the organization and registered a record 10th successful title defense when he derailed Chael Sonnen via second round TKO in the main event of UFC 148.
Conversely, Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) could easily have been riding an 11-fight win streak save for the disqualification he incurred for employing illegal downward elbows against Matt Hamill in his fourth UFC outing.
Jones is slated for a fourth defense of his crown when he faces off against former Strikeforce 205-pound champion Dan Henderson at UFC 151 later this year.
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