Jon Jones opens up on UFC 151 cancellation: I felt like a piece of meat
Posted on September 4, 2012, 01:32 PM by Mike SearsonOne week after the cancellation of UFC 151 due to an injured Dan Henderson and the Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones refusing to fight last minute substitution Chael Sonnen, Jon Jones opens up to Ariel Helwani in the attached video about his decision to not take the bout.
The Light Heavyweight Champion told Helwani, in the 41 minute interview: "I don't regret my decision at all it was a very smart career decision. There are a few reasons why. First, I talked to my coaches right away, with the whole staff who knows my game in and out. They know my preperation, my strengths and my weaknesses. They said there was no doubt we can win this fight, but I prepared for a complete opposite fighter."
Jones said that while Henderson uses his over hand right, shoots in and scrambles; Sonnen on the other hand is a southpaw who utilizes different punches, takedowns and ground and pound: "Chael is a completely different warrior and that is the main fact why I didn't take it at a last minute notice. It would have been extremely ignorant to take on one of the top 10 fighters on the planet. Chael has a 5-6 record in the UFC and lost his last two fights. Why would I put a world championship and my legacy on the line against a very dangerous opponent but one who hasn't even remotely earned the right to consider himself to be in the position to fight for the world title? That's like winning the jackpot and I refuse to be anybody's jackpot. I clearly said that I would not allow Chael Sonnen to jump the line by using his mouth. And what was he doing? Jumping the line by using his mouth."
If that sounded like an inkling of respect for Sonnen, it was short-lived: "It's like, why would I contradict myself when I clearly just said that I think Chael Sonnen is a racist? The way he treats Brazilians is totally uncalled for; I have zero respect for him. Chael Sonnen is a punk, he's a thug. He calls himself the American Gangster but he ratted out all his friends in that money laundering situation. That's not gangster. He's a straight punk. He won't be remembered. Chael's words hold no substance. People remember winners not big mouths."
As to his thoughts on the words of UFC President Dana White at last week's press conference announcing the cancellation, Jones says he: "I haven't talked to Dana White; I'll let him calm down then talk to him. He has his reasons to be upset but I think he has to realize that I have a reason too. I thought he would be more supportive. He thinks I'm scared of Sonnen. I'm not scared. It's about being smart. I felt really felt hurt by Dana. I’ve tried by best, my absolute best, to be a person who’s extremely nice to all the fans, whether they’re my fans or not. I’ve tried my best to always create positivity, always try to be a good dude, a good representative of the UFC. I do everything they ask me to do. You know it really hurt. It really hurt to be on that different spectrum. To be compared to Tito Ortiz. I don’t complain about money, I don’t complain about anything. I do what I’m told. I’m the champion that fights way more than any other champion. So you go from being really close, I mean at the last press conference, right after I beat Rashad; Dana was like 'don’t you just love this guy,' and now it’s like I’m just hated? Because I did what was right for me and my future? I just thought I meant a lot more to him. I really did. I didn’t look at him like a boss or anything. I just looked at him like a friend, a business partner. I just thought I meant a lot to the UFC and they made me feel like a piece of meat. Like a total piece of meat. He just completely bashed me out and my coach. It was just terrible, man."
As far as the cancellation of the card, Jones blames the UFC and his injured opponent: “A lot of the great athletes in their sports were hated. You gotta be hated, man. You gotta be. That’s the only way to know you’re really doing things right. LeBron James, people hate him. But the dude is still paid and he’s still a champion and he’s still happy, still has his family.”
When asked about the impact of the cancellation of the event on his fellow fighters, Jones said: "My job is not to be popular among fighters, I could care less if any fighter liked me or not. They don't pay my salary or buy Jon Jones T-shirts. My job is to show up, do my job and go back home."
Comments
There are always people who are gonna hate on Jones, whatever their reasons are.
Jones makes a lot of good points in this interview and even though I think he should have taken this fight I feel after this it seems a bit less of a horrible thing.
The kid is only 25 and has has the world on his shoulders, if he slips now and again give him a break.
Not a fan, but I agree with him on lot of things he said. He refused to play by Dana's rules, stood behind his decision and by doing that I believe the kid earned some respect in my book. Now bring on the weeks.
The kid? Your profile says you were born in 93 oh wise one ;-)
Huh? He makes good points? He said he'd do it over again- how is that a good point? How is anything he said a "good point". It's a lot simpler that he and Jackson want to make it. They over-think everything.
Chael was not in a camp and therefore not in top shape. Chael is in a smaller weight class. Jones would have made a lot of money and seen reduculous PPV money, just like he wants. He has said in the past he would not ever turn down a fight. He the champ and coming off a training camp. It was a no-brainer.
Both of these guys sing the same tune. They are telling all of us, Dana, the fighters, most in the media (who all understand how simple this really was "decision-wise"), that we were just "emotional." That once you calm down and think with your brain like Jackson and Jones, you will see just how reasonable and smart the decision really was.
Bullsh*t.
These guys will continue to drown in their own little self-centered world and lose fans at a constant rate. And I don't buy Jackson's "I'm not offended" BS either. Of course he's offended. Of course he's not happy with Dana for the things he said. His line that he's not upset because Dana was just "emotional", which is code for wrong, is a way for Jackson to seem classy. To me he's just fake like Jones. I would have respect for him if he was honest and said, "yea, I was pissed, what a ****". But he tries to be smarter than all of us over-emotional neanderthals.
10-15 years back top fighters did not plan as much for their fights, relied more "blindly" on their skills and fighter instincts.
The game has evolved, and Jones is part of the new breed of fighters who rely a lot on analyzing the opponent before the fight and planning your game. (On top of that he is part of Greg Jacksons team who are known for their game planning.)
Definitely not a Jones fan, but got to respect his choice. The kid is at the top and does not want to take unnecessary risks, there is a belt on the line after all.
So whats your point on Chael? out of shape?
your stupid and thats why your not ion the position like JJ.
There are thousands of guys on the street who are good fighters depending on who you ask. A high percentage of those guys would do the same thing Chael did, jump to an opportunity compared to winning the lotto. Thats not the way a person fights professionally....
Anyone else who thinks as a champ you fight anyone anytime are idiot losers...
@meredictum,
Some nice interpretation... at the same time, you seem to be reacting emotionally yourself to this.
My question for you; how do you know when you are making a judgement based on all the facts as opposed to half the facts?
odesahitman,
That's fair, I am a bit emotional. Reason being is that I was, and still to a small extent (with hope), a huge, HUGE, JBJ fan. For all the obvious reasons I liked the way he fought and presented himself outside the ring. After being exposed to Jackson, I watched in horror as he began drinking cool aid.
But as I said above, I don't think being "emotional" means I'm wrong in my opinion based on the "facts" that I know. Is there something else I need to know before I make my decision? Sure, I'd like to have all the facts, but that's not going to happen. Bottom line for me is that Jones is and will continue to be the arrogant guy he has become so long as he drinks the Jackson cool aid. Quoting "great men", over thinking every move, even to their detriment and not allowing the right half of their brain to play into any decisions. I don't believe he would do it the same again, as he says, just like I don't believe that Jackson is not angry with Dana. It's the difference between being sincere and being fake.
WEAK!
You must by psychic. How did you know they would "weak" you?
People hear and read into something how they want to, No one knows Jones personally, and how hard he trains. some people are just throwing out things that may not be true its irresponsible and some people will always hate the guy on top
WEAK!
why are you assuming that? maybe he just IS classy. do you think everybody on this plante works the same way? people are different. and some people would just be above the stupid crap dana said. he needed a scapegoat. its so obvious. its a matter of fact that jones has the right to not take this kinda fight. and it makes all the sense in the world. if this was stupid game about honor it would be a different thing. but its a professional sport.
Then if you are not in JJ's position, what would that make you according to your own train of ideas?
damn it... got me
@Johndo11,
Seriously funny comment:)
Weeks? F*** me.
he did stand up to Dana White, which is unusual, but he's got alot of room to play with seeing how he's a top P4P fighter and alot of people will always buy his fights to watch him win or lose. He seems very upset by the move, what if he took it 1 step further and joined with Bellator? they have a decent roster and are adding new fighters. If Jones went it could spark a trend for top fighters
42 :27 seconds of excuses? I think I'll pass on that interview!
Pssshhhhh. You're just mad you missed Jay Hieron fight this weekend
its funny how he kept saying chael tried jumping the line, like it was a bad thing
Don't think it's bad or good, it's just does not seems right, Sonnen did not earned his spot on the field.
he earned it by stepping up when asked.
He had two shots at winning the UFC belt and he sadly blew them both : (
I don't think anyone knew that Underdog, please say it just one more time. I'm pretty sure I have never seen you say this, 1000 times.
Is that you, UrHype?
Nope, I'm right here. 8)) been here for quite a while.
What ever happened to that Wing Nut, Wing Chun?
Anyway, I have been impressed with how Jones has handled himself since Dana went ballistic.
I miss wing chun and his long drawn out stories.
Wing has moved on to greener pastures, and has unfortunately been replaced with the likes of you, stupid.
So, you're UrHype, Entity? No wonder why HATE cant stand you lol. Just kidding.
LMAO
Entity = UrHype! No way! And I agree with Cage about WC. He was a well thought out dude. There are a lot of idiots around here lately.
Whats up Japegro?
Is it true haha?!
"I clearly said that I would not allow Chael Sonnen to jump the line by using his mouth. And what was he doing? Jumping the line by using his mouth."
Ok so i guess champions get to decide who they fight now....
" I’ve tried my best to always create positivity, always try to be a good dude, a good representative of the UFC. I do everything they ask me to do"
He does everything they ask him to....when its in his best interest, Which is perfectly fine but lets be honest here, he clearly doesn't do everything they ask since he didn't take the fight.
Bottom line is both henderson and chael are 85ers and he would have wrecked both of them but for the love of jebus just shut your mouth already jones.
There will always be some pond life lurking to scrutinize his every word. he is human, fallible and speaks more sense than any of you idiot haters. How about you STFU instead as no one gives a flying clusterfluff about pathetic haters other than the other pathetic haters who revel in the fact they are not alone in their sad pathetic mindset. I wish i could send you all off to Afghanistan and leave you all there to rid humanity of such awful specimens.
Champions do get to decide who they fight, just the same as everyone else. It's called signing a contract. Dana White can tell you, and you can choose to believe, that "This is the first time in the history of the UFC that a champion has turned down a fight." Bull$hit.
Why do you think Dana White kept pursuing Anderson Silva for months before he convinced Silva to fight Chael? Because he kept saying NO.
When GSP was asked to do the super fight with Anderson, he made a big deal about it being a career changing move he was not ready for. Short answer: GSP said NO.
When GSP saw Nick Diaz dismantle BJ Penn, he had been asked to fight Carlos Condit. By asking to fight Nick Diaz instead, GSP both said NO and directly decided his opponent.
Dana White is just pissed off because his promotion of UFC 151 was banking entirely and utterly on the star power of Jones and Henderson, for what was otherwise a fairly weak card. When both fighters were lost, the basket containing all their eggs was crushed. Jones has no control over that, and it is extremely unprofessional of Dana to blame him for the collapse of a poorly made event.
WEAK!
Now I know you're psychic
@Azzkika,
In your statement you call the people who hate Jon Jones, "idiot haters", is this some clever way you have of putting Jon Jones down. Could it be true that you are secretly against him? A mole in Dana Whites camp? Sent to subvert the opinions of honest folk who still like Jon Jones?
SHARP
Jon Jones, you will make a lot more money as a villain, just embrace the new role. Great job for not fighting Chael, he doesn't deserve a title shot whatsoever.
6 - 5 in the UFC - Not bad, Chael, at least you can say that you are one win over 500 in the UFC :)
awww you felt like a piece of meat Jonny? don't forget to get your mani and your pedi before you fight Belfort,get that brazilian wax too,that way Vitor won't treat you like a piece of meat Jonny boo boo!!!
LOL
WEAK!
Lol jones sensitive side is talking about being used like a meat
From seeing your small avatar, I thought you brought Sushi
is chael a top 10 fighter in the world????????????
yeah, counting from the bottom maybe... :)
beating a dumbass chael would have gained him absolutly Nothing...
its like putting GSP to fight clay guida..
I dont understand what people are complaining about...
I'd say top 3 his division though.
My days on this site s coming to an end so imma keep it REAL, unless Bones either starts losing while bleaching his skin like the late Mike Jack, he will never be liked by some whites...& most of y'all on here need to get a life instead of complaining all the time.
Entity & mindkontroll don't like bones because they say he's a puhC & you know him much homosexual men hate puhC.
Thanks for the shout-out. When you leaving?
Almost everyone here was a Rampage fan, when he was champ, before amd after, only lately things changed because he started to complain non stop amd being a crybaby. Rashad was not seen in the best light by fans, but in his dispute with Jones he gaind lots of them. Jones started losing lots of fans by making arrogant and ****y statements. Point is if you are a d**k people don't like you, simple as that. And you belive is because is a racial thing? Thats dumb.
I agree, the racial thing is delusional.
But, the examples you gave are just of people following the bandwagon. Rampage was always a d**k, but people liked him anyway "because he was funny", then after UFC japan the bandwagon changed their mind, so everyone else does too. Although nothing changed but peoples perception - he's still funny, he's still a ****, and he always had his "f the fans who dont appreciate everything i do" attitude.
Exactly purinho. I wish Rampage would get his head back in the game, maybe his knees are giving him trouble IDK. I think Rashad is one of the most down to Earth fighters there is now days. I wish he would have beaten Jones.
Hahahahaha
Funny part is, I never "weak" him. He earns that all by himself.
Hate would be just fine here if he didnt act like a gangbanfer all the time. Just say thing like Bones is the man....you'll see, he will be the best...ect...
BUT he'd rather justify the crap Jones gets by attacking race and preaching oppression. I've never hated Hateocracy, I just give him crap when I have to read something offensive that should be left 100 years behind.
Awwwwwww. So cute.
"I felt like a piece of meat" ??? I hope Vitor makes carpaccio out of Jones´ face.
It probably would have been in his best interest to keep his mouth shut.
He contradicts himself on a few different things: I always do what I'm told unless it may hurt me financially. Sonnen is in the top 10 but he is a punk with a 5-6 record, etc.
It is the difference between an athlete and a fighter.
A fighter will face whomever you put in front of him. An athlete just plays the game.
If I was his manager I'd just tell him to let loose now. No point in trying to play any type of damage control. Just keep saying everything that comes to mind, and let people hate you. It's not like they are going to boycott his events on a large scale. They'll pay to see him get beat up.
Just go full heel. IMO there's no reason not to anymore. Take a page out of Chael's book, and start spouting nonsense about any fan favorite you can think of.
What can we say, little Jon is ready for politics.
That'sone way to do it. Sometimes when things happen like this, though it is beter to keep quiet, take the high road and "be above it". I just don't think he did himsef any favors with this one.
He says it would have been "ARROGANT TO TAKE THE FIGHT"
But alas, I'm starting to sympathize with the man...
This whole thing would blow over if the sites were not putting 10 Jones hate threads up every day.
Does anyone still think its reasonable that an entire UFC card stands and falls upon the shoulders of 1 fight? No this entire situation is 100% only the UFC's fault. Enough said on this subject.
Doest matter anymore, we didn't get to watch UFC 151 nothing we can do, obliviously UFC is not gonna come and take 50% of the blame and Jones atleast takes some...along with the cross...
He just didn't want to risk losing. Call it scared, call it sensible, call it cautious, call it what you will. As someone with his confidence and ability he should have taken it with no questions asked. Total embarrassment not only to mma but the sporting world.
NO JON JONES, I felt like a piece of meat, cause you left me hanging. Life outside of MMA SUCKS!
Excuse,excuse,excuse,hes a southpaw,excuse Chael lost to the best pound for pound fighter on the planet twice so he doesn't deserve my presence in the cage excuse.Theres a word where im from when you back down cause your scared and it aint champ...
aww boo who quit whining and making up more lies and excuses and just man up tell the truth and admit that u shouldn't have turned the fight down against chael and that it was a big mistake that he regrets
**** haters ima jon jones fan and just like lil wayne i aint afraid to admit ima fan
yes, bring in lil wayne.
Preparation aside Chael never deserved the title shot so Im okay with Jones saying no especially with the short notice. But then again Vitor hasn't done much recently in LHW to earn a shot either but at least his only loss in his last 8 was to the best fighter ever in ufc. Also doesn't help that Machida and Shogun refused the title shot on 1 months notice.
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