Quinton “Rampage” Jackson believes Jon Jones, who plans to return to UFC this year to fight Stipe Miocic, may face defeat due to his determination to fight Miocic, who has not fought in three years and has not won a fight in four.
“Rampage” Jackson’s got a hunch. He reckons Jon Jones is heading for a fall.
Last year, Jones was all set to defend his UFC heavyweight title. His opponent? Ex-champ Stipe Miocic. The showdown was slated for UFC 295. But, a pectoral muscle injury sidelined Jones. Now, he’s eyeing a comeback this year, with Miocic still in his sights.
This plan’s got some folks riled up. Miocic, 41, hasn’t stepped in the ring for three years. His last win? That was four years ago. But Jones won’t be swayed. Jackson, a former rival, thinks this could be Jones’ downfall.
Jackson’s got a theory. He shared it on the JAXXON podcast. “I think you will be the first one to beat him,” he told Miocic. “He might not have a chin, based off the way he fights. He keeps you at his length where he wants you. You’re a taller guy and you’ve got longer arms than most people he fights. I don’t think he can do all that to you.”
Miocic? He’s on board. He’s ready to wait for the Jones fight. And when it happens, he’s got a plan to topple the former light heavyweight champ. “One hundred percent,” Miocic said. “Also, too, just don’t let him dictate what he wants. That’s any fighter, not just Jon Jones. Don’t let them do what they want, because if you let them do what they wants, that’s the end of the road for you. You’re f*cked.”
Jackson knows this all too well. He faced Jones back in 2011 at UFC 135. It was Jones’s first light heavyweight title defense. Jackson lost by fourth-round rear-naked choke. He blames his own mistakes. “That’s what happened to me,” Jackson said. “I got f*cked up in that fight. It was all my fault. I trained really hard for Jon Jones. That was the first fight I was overconfident, ‘No way is this kid going to beat me.’ I trained my ass off. I was in the best shape, like 99 percent, hardly no injuries. It was a good feeling.”
As for the heavyweight champ, he’s almost ready to step back in the ring. He’s got a date in mind and a verbal agreement for his clash with Miocic this year. But no official announcement yet. Stay tuned.