Hot news from UFC, management has announced that light heavyweight Jon Jones will defend his title against nemesis Chael Sonnen in April next year. This is after coaching against Sonnen on Season 17 of “The Ultimate Fighter” on FX.
To recall, Jones declined a fight with Sonnen with just 8 days notice for UFC 151. Jones was initially billed to fight Dan Henderson at September 1 but the later withdrew because of a medical injury. UFC cancelled UFC 151 and rebooked the champion against Vitor Belfort at UFC 152. Jones was able to defend his title against Belfort.
Jones and Sonnen however, will finally meet but it is not in the Octagon where they are used to. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 17 will shoot and both fighters will be coaching against each other. Greg Jackson was quick to provide info about the expected matchup: “I certainly don’t think it would be a wise strategy to get Jon really mad, but that’s something Sonnen will have to decide for himself. When you get into Jon’s face, that’s definitely when he performs the best for sure.”
Jackson was interviewed on the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Cheap Seats” program. He adds: “[Jones is] very articulate and he gets right to the point. It’s just that trash-talking isn’t usually his thing, but Jon is going to be one of the greatest fighters ever. That’s my belief. He’s something special and he’s going to be at the top of the heap.”
Sonnen on the other hand, Sonnen is known for his pre-fight banter, Jackson believe that the experience of exchanging words with Sonnen will only make Jones stronger. He further mentions about how Jones is in his training: “One thing about Jon Jones is that he is incredibly mentally tough. I think he’s going to learn from it and grow from it. You never want to underestimate Jon, because he is so mentally strong and very smart. I think it’s going to make him tougher, especially mentally, to have to deal with all the stuff that will come along with the show.”
Jackson describes his role during the taping of “The Ultimate Fighter” he says the will play a similar role he had in the past; one of his prized fighters also landed a coaching gig on the UFC reality series. Rashad Evans and Georges St. Pierre were also the same boat and have managed to shine in the series.
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