Jones' trainer plans fights with Thiago Marreta and Johnny Walker

J. Jones (cen.) may face J. Walker (left) and T. Marreta (right) in the future. Photo: Montage SL/MMA Press

Involved with doping problems, drug addiction and the US Justice system, Jon Jones He only had one fight between May 2016 and November 2018. But since he was released to compete again, the fighter wants to make up for lost time. He regained the light heavyweight belt against Alexander Gustafson, in December, and made his first title defense against Anthony Smith earlier this month. Now the athlete's focus turns to the Brazilians Thiago Marreta e Johnny Walker.

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In an interview with the North American program The MMA Hour, 'Bones' coach, Brandon Gibson, stated that he is keeping an eye on Brazilian revelations. According to him, Marreta and Walker could threaten Jones' reign at light heavyweight.

“When Jones started, it was kind of the ancient reign of Pride legends: (Maurício) Shogun, (Quinton) Rampage, Vitor (Belfort), there were many idols for us to overcome. But now the legend is Jones and these new guys are coming after us, guys like Johnny Walker, Thiago Santos (Marreta). It’s cool to be in this position now,” he said.

After the transition to light heavyweight, Thiago scored three consecutive victories and should be the next challenger for the title. Ultimate president Dana White projected the duel between Marreta and Jones in a press conference after UFC Prague, held in February.

“That's what Dana implied at the press conference (that Marreta should be the next challenger). He (Marreta) is having a great time. He is a very powerful light heavyweight. I'm sure (this fight) intrigues a lot of fans, and I like that there's new blood in the light heavyweight division”, analyzed the coach.

Gibson was impressed with the Fluminense's performances Johnny Walker in Ultimate. He named him as 'Bones' opponent in the future.

“This kid is impressive, explosive. I saw an impressive fact that he only threw 30 combined strikes in his career in the UFC, so his knockout average is almost one in every nine strikes, impressive. We're definitely keeping an eye on him. He is charismatic, funny, has a creative style. It’s a fight that’s on the horizon, I’m sure,” he concluded.