After a meteoric rise to the top of the division, Jon "Bones" Jones defeated Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in dominant fashion to capture the Light Heavyweight strap back in March. Now set to make his first title defense against veteran and former champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135, Jones discusses his opponent, as well as the number-one contender fight between Rashad Evans and Phil Davis:
On Quinton Jackson:
He has priority, he has a history, he has a following - if I was him I would call it "my belt" as well. But, right now I feel as if it is my belt and I'm not going to give that away. I've worked really hard to get to this point. I'm young, I'm hungry, and I'm not going to let someone who is, maybe half passionate, take my dreams away from me. Right now, getting hit isn't an option - I'm trying for perfection. To give Rampage everything I've been working for, I just can't allow that to happen.
On Rashad Evans:
Rashad could have been fighting me, but he was impatient. He decided to take a fight against Phil Davis instead of waiting. He should have been patient and he would have been fighting me soon, but things happen. He lost his number one contendership, but that's something he decided to do.
On Phil Davis:
I met Phil Davis, I think he's a great guy and I think he's great for the sport. But, I also think he doesn't like to get hit, so I think Rashad Evans' experience might get him through this fight. But, I think it's going to be a good fight. If Rashad takes him lightly, you never know what could happen. If Phil Davis makes it a wrestling match, I think his odds will be a little stronger. I'm not rooting for anyone, I think they're both fair individuals. Phil is a good guy, but if I had to put my money on it, I would go with Rashad Evans definitely.
On Quinton Jackson:
He has priority, he has a history, he has a following - if I was him I would call it "my belt" as well. But, right now I feel as if it is my belt and I'm not going to give that away. I've worked really hard to get to this point. I'm young, I'm hungry, and I'm not going to let someone who is, maybe half passionate, take my dreams away from me. Right now, getting hit isn't an option - I'm trying for perfection. To give Rampage everything I've been working for, I just can't allow that to happen.
On Rashad Evans:
Rashad could have been fighting me, but he was impatient. He decided to take a fight against Phil Davis instead of waiting. He should have been patient and he would have been fighting me soon, but things happen. He lost his number one contendership, but that's something he decided to do.
On Phil Davis:
I met Phil Davis, I think he's a great guy and I think he's great for the sport. But, I also think he doesn't like to get hit, so I think Rashad Evans' experience might get him through this fight. But, I think it's going to be a good fight. If Rashad takes him lightly, you never know what could happen. If Phil Davis makes it a wrestling match, I think his odds will be a little stronger. I'm not rooting for anyone, I think they're both fair individuals. Phil is a good guy, but if I had to put my money on it, I would go with Rashad Evans definitely.
