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Jon Jones and Rashad Evans have shared a turbulent relationship over the past fifteen years. The pair shared an intense rivalry for many years, but it appears that Evans and Jones are on better terms these days.
'Bones' is set to face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 285 next weekend, with former champion Rashad Evans previewing the matchup on ESPN alongside UFC fighter Michael Chiesa.
Evans was complimentary of Jones' skillset but believes that Gane will provide a massive test for 'Bones' in his heavyweight debut. He said this:
"I'm a big Jon Jones fan. Over the years I've come to recognize and appreciate his skill. But this is a big jump, this is gonna be a big test for him. Ciryl Gane brings a lot of the attributes that Jon [Jones] is good at. When you're fighting someone who has a lot of the same attributes that make you what you are, it's tough, because then it becomes a matter of who's better at those things now."
Watch the video below:
Jon Jones and Rashad Evans met while training together at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA in 2009 and became good friends and training partners. Evans had already made a name for himself by winning season two of The Ultimate Fighter, whereas 'Bones' was at the beginning of his career.
However, Jones found huge success early in his UFC career and was on his way to a title shot.
When Rashad Evans was forced to withdraw from his title fight against UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua, 'Bones' stepped in to replace him. After Jones won the fight, he stated that he wouldn't be opposed to fighting Evans if the UFC wanted to organize the fight.
The comments shocked the MMA world, as Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA fighters were known to have refused to fight their teammates in the past.
Jon Jones and Rashad Evans eventually faced off in the octagon at UFC 145, where 'Bones' defeated his former teammate via UD. The pair have since squashed their beef.
Jon Jones on the difficulties of moving to heavyweight
Jon Jones vacated the light heavyweight title in August 2020, shortly after defeating Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.
'Bones' has taken time away from competing to prepare his body for a move to heavyweight, as the former champion has aspirations of double-champ status. Jones reportedly weighs around 250 pounds, an enormous jump from the 205-pound light heavyweight limit.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Jones detailed the struggles of trying to gain so much muscle, and said this:
"Putting on weight is a lot more difficult than people realize... It was a major process., it was basically eat, eat some more and then eat again... Now I've landed at 250 pounds."
Watch the interview below:
