https://www.scmp.com/rss/502591/feed Jon Jones is an American MMA fighter in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) who is a multiple-time light heavyweight champion. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Mike Chan Mike Chan Xiao Guodong said he was not happy with eliminating his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan after beating the seven-time world champion 5-3 to book a World Grand Prix quarter-final spot on Thursday. Breaks of 144 and 78 gave Xiao a 2-0 lead but O’Sullivan twice drew level to split the first six frames with the world No 10 from Chongqing. Two more 50-plus breaks from Xiao eventually sealed his back-to-back wins over O’Sullivan, after also beating the decorated Englishman at the Champions of Champions in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342559/xiao-guodong-says-its-complicated-he-knocks-out-ronnie-osullivan-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342559/xiao-guodong-says-its-complicated-he-knocks-out-ronnie-osullivan-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:19:41 +0000 Reuters Reuters The US Supreme Court declined on Tuesday to hear a challenge by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to a US$1.4 billion judgment awarded to families of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting in Connecticut over the Infowars website founder’s false statements that the 2012 incident was a hoax. The justices turned away his appeal of the Connecticut Appellate Court’s decision in a defamation lawsuit against him to uphold most of the judgment issued by a judge and jury in 2022 to... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3329019/alex-jones-loses-supreme-court-appeal-over-us14-billion-sandy-hook-defamation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3329019/alex-jones-loses-supreme-court-appeal-over-us14-billion-sandy-hook-defamation?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:12:40 +0000 Callum Jones,Kurt Sengul Callum Jones,Kurt Sengul Late last month, rallies were staged across various Australian cities under the branding “March for Australia”. The rallies, which were attended by avowed neo-Nazis and elected politicians alike, called for an end to mass migration. These protests are not unique to Australia. Recently, the United Kingdom has seen its own wave of anti-migrant demonstrations in cities such as London, Bristol and Birmingham. Despite claims by some that the Australian rallies were “hijacked” by the neo-Nazi National... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3324549/online-radicalisation-australia-here-and-elon-musk-part-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3324549/online-radicalisation-australia-here-and-elon-musk-part-it?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Sep 2025 02:00:15 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Manchester United’s academy team won an extraordinary game of 12 penalties as they downed a team of hosts Hong Kong’s hottest prospects on Friday. The visiting United under-16s were 3-1 down at the end of 90 minutes and staring defeat in the face against a Hong Kong Premier Youth League Select at Mong Kok Stadium. Then, having already added 10 minutes of stoppage time to the first half, officials calculated a further 10 at the end of the second. United proceeded to win two penalties in those 10... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3322060/hong-kong-youngsters-pay-penalty-manchester-united-counterparts-finish-strongly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3322060/hong-kong-youngsters-pay-penalty-manchester-united-counterparts-finish-strongly?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:26:24 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Manchester United’s potential stars of tomorrow will broaden their horizons during their visit to Hong Kong this week, according to coach and former player Phil Jones. The club’s under-16s are in the city for the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, and trained alongside Hong Kong counterparts under blistering skies in Tseung Kwan O on Wednesday ahead of matches at Mong Kok Stadium on Friday and Sunday. English Premier League winner Jones, who has begun coaching after injury forced his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3321746/hong-kong-heat-dragon-boats-add-manchester-united-youngsters-learning-curve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3321746/hong-kong-heat-dragon-boats-add-manchester-united-youngsters-learning-curve?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:57:34 +0000 Jon Jones was not impressed with what he saw in the UFC 270 main event. The card, which went down on Saturday night in Anaheim, California, was topped by a heavyweight title fight between undisputed champion Francis Ngannou and interim champion Ciryl Gane. Ngannou (17-3), known as the most ferocious knockout artist in MMA today, won by unanimous decision, surprising many onlookers with a wrestling-heavy game plan. Jones (26-1-0), however, was left questioning the skill of both fighters after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3164426/ufc-270-jon-jones-unimpressed-francis-ngannou?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3164426/ufc-270-jon-jones-unimpressed-francis-ngannou?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Jan 2022 08:07:56 +0000 The UFC heavyweight title picture is shaping up quite nicely for a blockbuster year in 2022. It was pointed out as much to the promotion’s president Dana White at Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 45 post-fight press conference, after Derrick Lewis reinserted himself into the title mix with a first-round knockout of Chris Daukaus. Throw in divisional king Francis Ngannou’s titanic showdown with interim champ Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 next month, the return of former champ Stipe Miocic, and the long-awaited... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3160312/ufc-jon-jones-not-dana-whites-heavyweight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3160312/ufc-jon-jones-not-dana-whites-heavyweight?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Dec 2021 11:10:13 +0000 Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is not interested in earning his way back into Jackson Wink MMA, after his long-time gym barred him following his recent arrest. The 34-year-old had been training at the Albuquerque, New Mexico gym for the bulk of his dominant MMA career, but was kicked out of the facility last month after being charged with battery domestic violence, and injuring or tampering with a police vehicle, in Las Vegas in September. Jones‘ exit from the team was announced... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155256/ufc-jon-jones-seeking-new-team-says-jackson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155256/ufc-jon-jones-seeking-new-team-says-jackson?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Nov 2021 06:02:33 +0000 Two things are bound to happen this weekend in relation to UFC 268. The marquee bout on Saturday night’s main card at Madison Square Garden is likely to deliver a fight-of-the-year candidate, and Jon Jones will of course tweet about the whole thing from his sofa. On Saturday night, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (19-1) will step into the Octagon for his fifth title defence, and probably defeat a resurgent Colby “Chaos” Covington (16-2) in a repeat of their barnburner from December... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3154875/jon-jones-continues-sad-slide-towards-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3154875/jon-jones-continues-sad-slide-towards-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:00:12 +0000 What to do with Jon Jones? Everyone in the MMA world is probably asking this question right now, including Jones himself. He seems completely irredeemable after yet another run in with the law. This time it was in Las Vegas, after last Thursday’s UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, where he was inducted into the fight wing for his classic first battle against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 in 2013. The former UFC light heavyweight champion (26-1, one non contest) – who has been involved in several... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150747/jon-jones-redeemable-or-should-dana-white-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150747/jon-jones-redeemable-or-should-dana-white-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Oct 2021 03:37:09 +0000 Jon Jones and trouble with the law have gone hand in hand throughout his illustrious MMA career. On Friday morning, a day after his induction to the 2020 UFC Hall of Fame for his first battle with Sweden‘s Alexander Gustafsson, the former light heavyweight champion was arrested on a charge of misdemeanour battery domestic violence, and injuring or tampering with a vehicle. A police spokesperson confirmed the news to ESPN. The arrest came at 5.45am at a resort near Las Vegas Boulevard and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150074/ufc-jon-jones-arrested-charged-battery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150074/ufc-jon-jones-arrested-charged-battery?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Sep 2021 03:17:55 +0000 Dana White delivered a trademark Dana White moment in the post-fight press conference for UFC 265. After reading out the performance of the night recipients, John Morgan of MMA Junkie wondered why Ciryl Gane didn’t get a bonus of US$50,000 for his impressive victory over Derrick Lewis for the interim heavyweight title in Houston, Texas. “That’s true,” said White, who then turned to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby. “That was Sean. Yeah Ciryl, f*** it he gets $50,000 too, there you go. Good job John... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3144385/ufc-jon-jones-heavyweight-stock-continues?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3144385/ufc-jon-jones-heavyweight-stock-continues?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Aug 2021 14:00:20 +0000 After a long and illustrious career in the UFC, it appears Jon Jones’ biggest opponent is now the man in the mirror. The former light heavyweight champion, who is making a much-publicised move to heavyweight, looks to be shooting himself in the foot as he tries to negotiate with Dana White about his debut bout in a new division. Context is important and let’s take a step back for a fuller look at how we got to the point where Jones seems to be beating himself up rather than opponents in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133328/ufc-jon-jones-efforts-leverage-goat-status?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133328/ufc-jon-jones-efforts-leverage-goat-status?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 May 2021 13:00:09 +0000 Last year when Jon “Bones” Jones was tweeting up a storm, feuding with UFC president Dana White over “Deontay Wilder” money to fight Francis Ngannou, he got a lot of sympathy from MMA fans, and empathy from some of his fellow fighters. The UFC was heavy into pay disputes with a few of its more marquee stars apparently, including Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal, while lesser known names were complaining the company was not adequately paying them enough to make a decent living. Jones looked to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3127789/ufc-jon-jones-reignites-show-me-money?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3127789/ufc-jon-jones-reignites-show-me-money?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:00:07 +0000 UFC president Dana White has told former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones to call him if he is serious about a heavyweight match-up with new champion Francis Ngannou. “Bones” Jones (26-1, one no contest), who relinquished his belt last summer over public disagreements with White regarding fighter pay, tweeted “show me the money” following “The Predator” Ngannou’s (16-3) impressive second-round TKO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 on Saturday night. White was clearly impressed with the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3127326/ufc-dana-white-and-jon-jones-reignite-feud?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3127326/ufc-dana-white-and-jon-jones-reignite-feud?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Mar 2021 07:51:47 +0000 Other than seeing his “0” finally go, the previously-undefeated Israel Adesanya didn’t lose a hell of a lot in his unanimous decision defeat by Jan Blachowicz last weekend. But he certainly didn’t gain much either. Confusing judges’ scorecards aside, the main event at UFC 259 for the light heavyweight belt was a razor thin win for Blachowicz (28-8). Three takedowns was enough for the judges to give the 38-year-old Pole the victory in a fight that saw limited stand-up activity from both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3125007/ufc-israel-adesanyas-big-gamble-failed-pay-and-gives-jon-jones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3125007/ufc-israel-adesanyas-big-gamble-failed-pay-and-gives-jon-jones?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:00:11 +0000 It didn’t take long for Jon Jones to start trolling Israel Adesanya after “The Last Stylebender” suffered the first loss of his professional MMA career. In fact, “Bones” even got the party started during light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz’s unanimous decision win in the UFC 259 main event on Saturday night in Las Vegas. “December is going to be great,” former 205-pound king Jones wrote on Twitter while the fight was still going on, with the 38-year-old Pole starting to dominate the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124454/ufc-259-jon-jones-trolls-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124454/ufc-259-jon-jones-trolls-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Mar 2021 13:30:07 +0000 Neutralising light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz’s “legendary Polish power” at UFC 259 in March is, of course, a necessary first step and no easy feat. But undefeated UFC middleweight king Israel Adesanya – fresh off winning his second consecutive Fighter of the Year gong at the 2020 World MMA Awards – is perfectly positioned to take the pound-for-pound reins by the end of this year. It’s been quite the rise for the 31-year-old Kiwi-Nigerian (20-0), who made easy work of chiselled contender... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116577/israel-adesanya-can-become-ufc-pound-pound-no?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116577/israel-adesanya-can-become-ufc-pound-pound-no?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jan 2021 02:28:45 +0000 If you thought the bad blood between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier might disappear after the latter retired, think again. The 41-year-old Cormier (22-3, one no contest) stepped away from the Octagon for good after coming up short in a unanimous decision defeat by Stipe Miocic (20-3) last August. The UFC heavyweight champ was just one of two men to beat “DC” – the other, of course, being Jones. Cormier had plenty of praise for “Bones” (26-1) last week, telling SCMP MMA he thinks the 33-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116305/ufc-jon-jones-mocks-daniel-cormier-stipe-your?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116305/ufc-jon-jones-mocks-daniel-cormier-stipe-your?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Jan 2021 04:27:11 +0000 Jon Jones has been busy bulking up to 240 pounds for his UFC heavyweight debut in 2021, and it seems he doesn’t plan on ever going back down to the division he formerly ruled. Two-time light heavyweight champ Jones (26-1) holds a plethora of records at 205 pounds in the Octagon, including the longest unbeaten streak in UFC history (18), most consecutive wins in the division (13), and most wins in UFC title fights (14). He is also tied with Demetrious Johnson (27-3-1) for most successful title... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116122/ufc-jon-jones-has-no-intentions-ever-going?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116122/ufc-jon-jones-has-no-intentions-ever-going?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jan 2021 10:38:09 +0000 Former UFC double champ Daniel Cormier believes Jon Jones deserves an immediate heavyweight title shot when he finally makes his debut in the division. “Bones” (26-1) vacated his 205-pound belt in August and announced his decision to move up, but has yet to officially be given a fight in his new weight class. Though take a look at his Instagram and you’ll see plenty of pictures of a bulked up, 240-pound Jones pumping iron at the Jackson Wink gym in Albuquerque. The 33-year-old American is of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115896/ufc-daniel-cormier-thinks-jon-jones-gets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115896/ufc-daniel-cormier-thinks-jon-jones-gets?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Dec 2020 14:20:54 +0000 Jon Jones’ light heavyweight title defence against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 back in February is an interesting case study. A front runner in the MMA “GOAT” (greatest of all time) debate, Jones (26-1-0, 1NC) went five full rounds with his fellow American and most within MMA circles feel as if Reyes (12-2) might have eked out a victory on points. One thing was clear during the fight: Jones was not his usual self, looking sluggish, and at times in the first three rounds, apathetic to the whole... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3114908/ufc-jon-jones-heavyweight-could-steal-mma?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3114908/ufc-jon-jones-heavyweight-could-steal-mma?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Dec 2020 12:00:13 +0000 Jan Blachowicz is all about proving everyone wrong. Throughout his UFC career, the 37-year-old Polish powerhouse has been underestimated by fighters and fans alike, even with incredible finishes over elite competition and the light heavyweight strap now wrapped around his waist. And it looks like nothing has changed. Dana White seemingly confirmed at last weekend’s UFC Vegas 12 post-fight presser that UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya (20-0) will move up a division to chase another title... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108891/ufc-jan-blachowicz-tells-israel-adesanya-jon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108891/ufc-jan-blachowicz-tells-israel-adesanya-jon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Nov 2020 06:49:56 +0000 UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya’s striking coach believes Jon Jones will need to get in line, but admits the team are already deciphering the best way to beat him. There’s no doubt a super fight between former light heavyweight champ “Bones” (26-1, one no contest) and “The Last Stylebender” (20-0) would be massive – the pair have been relentlessly feuding on Twitter, and it feels inevitable. But Jones is in the process of a move up to heavyweight after vacating his belt, and UFC president... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108349/ufc-israel-adesanya-coach-says-jon-jones-will?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108349/ufc-israel-adesanya-coach-says-jon-jones-will?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Nov 2020 04:00:23 +0000 Khabib Nurmagmedov got his wish last week. The lightweight champ leapfrogged Jon Jones and can now be found at the top of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. You can call it sentimental if you like. You could also call it absolutely warranted. The man he replaced seems to disagree – former UFC light heavyweight champ Jones (26-1, one no contest) reacted to the news by tweeting, “This is number one b*******.” But what happened at UFC 254 on October 25 in Abu Dhabi will go down as one of the most... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108248/sorry-jon-jones-khabib-deserves-ufc-pound?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108248/sorry-jon-jones-khabib-deserves-ufc-pound?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:06 +0000 Jon Jones has hit out at the UFC after being toppled from the summit of its pound-for-pound rankings by Khabib Nurmagomedov. The UFC lightweight champ (29-0) announced his shock retirement after beating former interim champ Justin Gaethje (22-3) by second-round triangle choke in Saturday’s UFC 254 main event on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov asked “only one thing” of the UFC – to be placed No 1 in the pound-for-pound top 15 on Tuesday, and the promotion’s ranking judges duly obliged, to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107382/ufc-jon-jones-reacts-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107382/ufc-jon-jones-reacts-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Oct 2020 06:02:55 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov asked “only one thing” of the UFC after announcing his shock retirement, demanding the No 1 spot in the UFC’s updated pound-for-pound rankings next week. And it seemed at first that Jon Jones (26-1, one no contest) was willing to figuratively step aside at the top – for now. “Until I take that [heavyweight] crown, I grant you the spot,” the former light heavyweight king tweeted. “Enjoy Champ.” The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov (29-0) submitted Justin Gaethje (22-3) to wrap up his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106983/ufc-254-jon-jones-grants-khabib-pound-pound?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106983/ufc-254-jon-jones-grants-khabib-pound-pound?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Oct 2020 02:42:57 +0000 Statements don‘t come much more emphatic than the one made by Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 last month, when he beat undefeated Paulo Costa inside two rounds, barely wearing a strike on his way to defending the middleweight title for a second time. The Brazilian became the seventh of Adesanya‘s top-15 victims, prompting widespread suggestion that now is the ideal time for the Kiwi-Nigerian to explore the waters outside his division. One such path could involve Adesanya taking the step up to light... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105362/ufc-dana-white-all-israel-adesanya-vs-jon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105362/ufc-dana-white-all-israel-adesanya-vs-jon?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Oct 2020 10:55:46 +0000 Reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones went on a profanity-laced verbal slugfest on Twitter – with the latest insults mentioning each others’ parents. The 31-year-old Adesanya (20-0), who trounced contender Paulo Costa at UFC 253 last month, has been calling Jones (26-1, one no contest) out since becoming champion in 2019. The Nigerian-New Zealander said he would clear out his division before taking the super fight in 2021. Meanwhile,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103986/ufc-israel-adesanya-and-jon-jones-bring-each?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103986/ufc-israel-adesanya-and-jon-jones-bring-each?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2020 10:26:52 +0000 Daniel Cormier has told new UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz there is “no chance” of them meeting in the cage despite the Pole calling him out. The call-out came after former UFC two-division champion Cormier (22-3), who retired in August after losing to Stipe Miocic via unanimous decision, questioned Blachowicz’s (27-8) chances against former divisional champion Jon Jones. “Jones beats Blachowicz. [Blachowicz is] too slow to beat him. The thing about Jones, people don’t realise... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103618/ufc-daniel-cormier-shuts-down-jan-blachowicz?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103618/ufc-daniel-cormier-shuts-down-jan-blachowicz?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2020 05:34:59 +0000 The shadow of Jon Jones still lingers over the UFC’s light heavyweight division and there’s no escaping the fact it’s going to do so for some time still, given the American fighter was widely considered among the best the sport has seen before vacating his belt in search of fresh challenges up among the heavyweights. It’s been hanging around the lead up to Sunday’s UFC 253, too, and the bout between the American No 1-ranked Dominick Reyes (12-1) and Poland’s third-ranked Jan Blachowicz (26-8) to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103062/ufc-253-dominick-reyes-vows-emerge-jon-jones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103062/ufc-253-dominick-reyes-vows-emerge-jon-jones?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:03:38 +0000 Dominick Reyes will fight Jan Blachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 253 next month. But in his mind, that’s only because Jon Jones is running scared of him. “Bones” (26-1, one no contest), who vacated his belt this week ahead of a planned move up to heavyweight, beat Reyes (12-1) in a controversial unanimous decision at UFC 247 in February. But many fans and media, and even those in the UFC commentary booth, questioned the judges’ scorecards in Houston. That victory gave... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098293/ufc-dominick-reyes-thinks-jon-jones-vacated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098293/ufc-dominick-reyes-thinks-jon-jones-vacated?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Aug 2020 06:44:41 +0000 If anyone has earned their stripes in the UFC, it is Jon “Bones” Jones. The 33-year-old American (26-1, one no contest) is the sport’s greatest fighter of all-time, the debate is pretty much open and shut. Jones’ mixed martial arts career is filled with epic fights against epic opponents, all of which he has won (bar a controversial disqualification for illegal elbows against Matt Hamill in 2009). Alexander Gustafsson, Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Rua –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098115/jon-jones-deserves-ufc-heavyweight-title-shot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098115/jon-jones-deserves-ufc-heavyweight-title-shot?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:00:13 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a few choice words of “advice”, shall we say, for Jon Jones on his adversary’s long-awaited move to the heavyweight division. “Go put some [expletive] muscle on your chopstick legs and go fight Francis Ngannou and watch him break you,” said Adesanya. This week, Jones confirmed he would vacate his light heavyweight title to make the seemingly inevitable move up, opening up a host of new opportunities and opponents. “Bones” mentioned the hypothetical... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098014/ufc-israel-adesanyas-advice-jon-jones-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098014/ufc-israel-adesanyas-advice-jon-jones-go?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:01:21 +0000 Jon Jones has officially vacated the UFC light heavyweight title, but hinted he could return to the Octagon at heavyweight. “Bones” (26-1, one no contest) has not fought since a controversial unanimous decision win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February. UFC president Dana White revealed last weekend the 33-year-old American would have to take on Reyes in a rematch if he was staying at 205 pounds. The former two-time champion threw his name in the hat to face Stipe Miocic after the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3097763/ufc-jon-jones-vacates-title-reveals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3097763/ufc-jon-jones-vacates-title-reveals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Aug 2020 03:31:36 +0000 The world of the UFC and CrossFit have finally collided, as two of the sport’s most notable stars have connected in an Instagram post. Jon “Bones” Jones posted a short clip on his Instagram account that features four-time CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser in which he explains the best way to do a GHD (glute ham developer) sit-up, which is a popular move in the sport of CrossFit. Fraser appears to be responding to Jones, stating: “You’re GHD’s look really good, so there is kind of two different... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091975/ufc-and-crossfit-collide-champion-mat-fraser?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091975/ufc-and-crossfit-collide-champion-mat-fraser?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jul 2020 04:41:19 +0000 While Jon “Bones” Jones has not fought since February, he has offered no shortage of news via his social media accounts. On the Fourth of July, the American (26-1, one no contest) posted a photo with his hand on a man’s chest stating: “We found this man laying in the middle of a field today, he was suffering from severe dehydration. The group honestly believe we saved that man’s life. It felt amazing, those men and women were heroes out there today.” UFC light heavyweight champion Jones posted a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091969/ufc-jon-jones-says-he-helped-save-mans-life?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091969/ufc-jon-jones-says-he-helped-save-mans-life?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jul 2020 08:07:18 +0000 UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones continues to make news with his Twitter account, tweeting he’s “listening” to Mike Tyson about a potential superfight with the legendary boxer. Jones, 32, has been in a war of words for weeks with UFC president Dana White, who said he apparently wanted “Deontay Wilder money” for a superbout with heavyweight Francis Ngannou. Now Tyson, 53, has inserted himself into the conversation, saying during an Instagram Live session that “Jon Jones gotta... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090018/ufc-jon-jones-potential-superfight-mike-tyson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090018/ufc-jon-jones-potential-superfight-mike-tyson?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jun 2020 02:55:59 +0000 Now that Fight Island is more than a twinkle in Dana White’s eye, and a reality off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, it seems like the UFC has two solid spots, along with Las Vegas, where it can book bouts. The card for UFC 251 on July 12 looks enticing enough to kick off Fight Island, with the likes of Kamaru Usman, Max Holloway, Jose Aldo, Rose Namajunas and Paige VanZant bringing some notable names to the fold. But we’re still waiting on the moneymaker, a true headlining bout on Yas... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3089590/ufc-five-bouts-wed-see-dana-whites-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3089590/ufc-five-bouts-wed-see-dana-whites-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jun 2020 06:00:14 +0000 UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has said he won’t come back to the Octagon until “everyone” in the promotion starts to earn more money. Jones is at the front of a growing movement campaigning for better fighter pay, but his demands have been shot down by UFC president Dana White. Jorge Masvidal has also walked away from the negotiating table, while Conor McGregor and former bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo say they have retired from MMA. “Just kind of holding out to get treated... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3089740/ufc-jon-jones-wont-fight-until-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3089740/ufc-jon-jones-wont-fight-until-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jun 2020 04:30:35 +0000 UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan said he thinks fighters are undervalued, however understands the financial situation at hand. “I think they should get paid more,” said Rogan while talking with American comedian Andrew Schulz. “It’s a crazy way to make a living, I think you should get the most amount of money you could possibly get. But, it’s also a business.” UFC president Dana White currently finds himself in tough negotiations with a number of fighters, most notably light... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3088594/ufc-joe-rogan-sounds-fighters-wages-i-think?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3088594/ufc-joe-rogan-sounds-fighters-wages-i-think?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jun 2020 08:02:15 +0000 Jon Jones has gone on a Twitter rampage addressing UFC president Dana White’s latest comments justifying his fighters’ pay. The light heavyweight champion Jones (26-1, one no contest) – widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, including by White– said earlier this month that he would be relinquishing his title after negotiations for a heavyweight “super fight” against Francis Ngannou broke down. White had accused Jones of asking for “Deontay Wilder” money, referencing the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3088200/ufc-jon-jones-calls-dana-white-stubborn-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3088200/ufc-jon-jones-calls-dana-white-stubborn-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Jun 2020 07:55:50 +0000 UFC president Dana White fired back at stars Jorge Masvidal and Jon Jones for threatening to leave the promotion unless they are given more money in future fights. Light heavyweight champion Jones (26-1, one no contest) of the US last week said he would be relinquishing his title after failing to reach an agreement with the UFC to fight at heavyweight, with welterweight contender and BMF winner Masvidal (35-13) later telling White to “let me go if I’m not worth it”. “Here’s the thing with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087925/ufc-dana-white-slams-jorge-masvidal-and-jon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087925/ufc-dana-white-slams-jorge-masvidal-and-jon?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Jun 2020 10:42:37 +0000 Jorge Masvidal has joined Jon Jones in asking the UFC to release him from his contract as the issue of fighter pay escalates in the promotion. Jones accused Dana White of “lying to the fans” after the UFC president said the light heavyweight champ wanted “Deontay Wilder money”, or US$30 million, to move up to heavyweight and fight Francis Ngannou. Now “BMF” champion Masvidal has become the latest big-name fighter to question their value to the company, with Henry Cejudo also walking away from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087854/ufc-jorge-masvidal-tells-dana-white-let-me-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087854/ufc-jorge-masvidal-tells-dana-white-let-me-go?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jun 2020 07:56:32 +0000 Jon “Bones” Jones has had a busy week. The legendary UFC fighter, who last etched out a decision victory against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February, kicked off a flurry of press last week when he entered negotiations with the UFC for a fight against heavyweight Francis Ngannou. According to president Dana White, Jones was asking for too much money, which has in turn led the light heavyweight champion to relinquish his belt and ask to be released from his contract. Then on June 1 Jones posted... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087151/ufc-jon-jones-helps-clean-after-riots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087151/ufc-jon-jones-helps-clean-after-riots?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:33:31 +0000 While UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones have been spotted in the streets showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement amidst ongoing fury at the death of George Floyd in May, other fighters within the MMA realm have also shared their thoughts on social media. Former double champion, Daniel “DC” Cormier, told everybody to “wake up” after the killing of unarmed black man Floyd by now-convicted police officer Derek Chauvin in Minnesota in May. “As we pray for George Floyd and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:05:45 +0000 UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has doubled down on his threats to quit the promotion after confirming he is relinquishing his title. Jones – who has for the past week accused UFC president Dana White’s of “lying” over his heavyweight “super fight” payday and asked to be released from his contract – tweeted “Bones out” after White’s UFC Fight Night post-fight “crazy money” comments on Saturday. “To the light heavyweight title veni, vidi, vici,” the 32-year-old Jones tweeted. “Bones”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087025/ufc-jon-jones-says-he-relinquishing-light?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087025/ufc-jon-jones-says-he-relinquishing-light?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:24:54 +0000 UFC president Dana White went off on light heavyweight champion Jon Jones for accusing him of lying and threatening to leave the promotion after talks of a move up to heavyweight broke down this week. Jones (26-1, one no contest) beat Dominick Reyes via unanimous decision in February and has spent the last month manoeuvring for a “super fight” with Francis Ngannou. “Bones” demanded on social media that White released their text messages after White said Jones was looking for the same payday as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086872/ufc-dana-white-says-jon-jones-couldve-been?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086872/ufc-dana-white-says-jon-jones-couldve-been?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 May 2020 07:39:43 +0000 Jon Jones and Dana White continued to put the blame on each other for their failed negotiations as their back-and-forth continued on Friday, with the light heavyweight champion telling the UFC to release him from his contract. UFC president White doubled down on his claim Jones highballed him when they spoke about a potential move up to heavyweight against contender Francis Ngannou. “I’ll quote him and what he said to my lawyer,” White told a media scrum in Las Vegas, where the promotion returns... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086800/jon-jones-tells-dana-white-release-text?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086800/jon-jones-tells-dana-white-release-text?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 May 2020 04:02:52 +0000 Jon Jones has accused UFC president Dana White of lying to the fans about their negotiations last week. White told Brett Okamoto in an interview with ESPN, the UFC’s broadcast partner, that the light heavyweight champ was asking for an “absurd” amount of money to move up and fight Francis Ngannou. “It’s interesting to just sit here and watch your boss lie to the camera like this,” Jones tweeted. “We never discussed any increase in pay. Immediately the conversation was that I already made enough.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086616/ufc-jon-jones-claims-dana-white-lying-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086616/ufc-jon-jones-claims-dana-white-lying-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 May 2020 03:44:21 +0000