UFC fighter defends Jon Jones' strategy to destabilize rival: 'It's a calculated move'

Jon Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic in the third round in the UFC 309. Photo: Instagram/UFC Brazil.

Kevin holland surprised by publicly defending Jon Jones, criticized for asking for six months of preparation before facing Tom aspinall in a unification fight for the heavyweight belts (up to 120,2 kg). In an interview with the podcast 'Believe You Me', the UFC fighter compared the champion's strategy to that of boxing legends like Floyd Mayweather. He argued that the requirement of six months of preparation is not cowardice, but rather a calculated move.

“I will defend a little Jon Jones. He is the greatest of his time and now faces a new context, as a veteran. If I were Jones, I would play like the old boxers, being the boss of the game. The wait for the fight with Aspinall is frustrating, but Jones will use his experience to destabilize Aspinall mentally, making the fight more difficult for him”, declared Holland, comparing Jones' stance to that of Floyd Mayweather, who consolidated his career with strategies of psychological wear and meticulous timing.

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'Bones' justification, however, divides opinions. The champion claims the need for physical adaptation. Aspinall, holder of the interim belt, accuses his rival of being 'scared' and 'manipulating the public', in addition to citing the imbroglio with Francis Ngannou, who left the UFC after contract disputes.

Dana White, in turn, confirmed that the unification of the titles is a 'top priority' for 2025, but admitted that the six-month request could delay initial plans to schedule the fight for the second half of the year.