Watch the second episode of UFC 197 Embedded.
No one would doubt that the returning UFC superstar Jon Jones is one of the most outstanding prodigies that has ever stepped foot into the Octagon. But the 28-year old pound-for-pound king never had the typical chiseled athlete look that some of his fellow colleagues possess. He never needed it. In fact, his long and slim limbs were always a huge part of his unorthodox fighting style, that fighters seemingly couldn’t cope with.
However, during the 15 months he spent on the sidelines, away from active competition, the former light-heavyweight champion has put himself through some serious weight training, deadlifting up to 600 lbs., and has gained an impressive physique in the process.
“He’s put on some muscle for sure in his legs,” his physical therapist approved during the second episode of UFC 197 Embedded. “I tell you what,” Jones followed up in direction of everyone who was ever cracking jokes about his lanky frame. “I deadlift 600 pounds, squat 500 pounds, and I have a 55 – 56 inch box jump. So everyone making fun out there of my chicken legs, don’t tell me anything unless you squat 500 pounds.”
Jon Jones faces Ovince Saint-Preux in the main event of UFC 197 this Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV.