Jones and Smith point to Marreta as the next title challenger

J. Jones (left) and A. Smith (right) face each other at UFC 235. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @lionheartasmith

Jon Jones e Anthony Smith will fight for the light heavyweight belt in the main fight of UFC 235, this Saturday (02), in Las Vegas. Thinking about the future, the card's protagonists pointed out Thiago Marreta as the next challenger for the category title.

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Marreta's three performances at light heavyweight impressed the current champion of the category. In an interview with the Combate channel website, Jones stated that he wants to face the best fighters in the world and Thiago is showing that he is one of them.

“Thiago Santos, yes! He's doing very well, performing very well. I see him being a challenger for the division title soon. I'm here waiting for the best fighters in the world, and he's proving to be one of them”, praised 'Bones'.

The Brazilian knocked out Jan Blachowicz at 39 seconds of the third round of the main fight of UFC Prague, last Saturday (23). When analyzing the duel, Smith stated that Marreta is doing an exceptional job in the new division.

“He looks fine. It was the first time I saw Thiago (Marreta) fighting in a calculated way, and not exploding into an attack, and I'm always scared of him doing something wrong. But that's why he's so dangerous, because he attacks and is very aggressive, savage. But I don't know if he would fight me like that. I think he's doing great, doing a phenomenal job, and showing what everyone wants to see. This action is what makes people see the fights”, explained Anthony.

'Lionheart' and Thiago met inside the octagon at UFC Belém in February 2018 in the middleweight division. The Brazilian got the better of him and won the fight by knockout in the second round. If he wins the light heavyweight belt, Smith assured that he has no problem doing a rematch with Marreta.

“Maybe (could be the next opponent after Jones). It will depend on what happens. I will win and I know how things work, Jon Jones he will want a rematch, but for me, I can fight Thiago (Marreta) first”, concluded the North American.