Jon Jones hailed by former fierce rival as the "Neo of MMA": "His mind is super-strong"

UFC 309: Jones v Miocic - Source: Getty
Jon Jones receives praise from former opponent [Image credits: Getty Images]

Jon Jones returned to the octagon earlier this month as he defeated Stipe Miocic via third-round TKO at UFC 309 to defend his heavyweight title for the first time.

Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson has compared his former rival to Keanu Reeves' character, Neo, in the film series The Matrix. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former UFC light heavyweight champion stated:

"I think Jon Jones is the Neo of MMA. He's Neo... I think the reason why Jon Jones has been so successful in MMA and been dominating for so long is because his mind is super strong. I've been in the cage with that kid and I heavily underestimated him and I've been watching his fights ever since and I see the stuff that he does. He was doing stuff that nobody was doing."

Jackson continued:

"Nobody was doing spinning elbows even though they weren't illegal because it wasn't in the back of your head, but it was a good technique. It wasn't nobody doing stuff like that. Just the way he controlled the octagon. The way he does everything. His mind is really strong... I think MMA is 95% mental... He's figured out a way to bypass those doubts and I'm convinced that he has a real good sports psychologist."

Check out Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's comments on Jon Jones below:

The two shared the cage at UFC 135 back in 2011 as Jackson challenged Jones for the light heavyweight title. 'Bones' was able to emerge victorious as he won the bout via fourth-round submission.

Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson claims Stipe Miocic was a tougher challenge than Tom Aspinall for Jon Jones

Jon Jones was able to finish Stipe Miocic in the third round of their UFC 309 clash. During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson claimed that 'The Silencer' was a tougher challenge for 'Bones' than Tom Aspinall would be in a hypothetical matchup.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion stated:

"I feel like Jon Jones' last performance, I don't even think any heavyweight on the planet could beat Jon Jones because he solidifies himself as one of the greatest fighters on the planet and no disrespect to Aspinall - I think Aspinall is a great fighter, I'm a fan of his as well - but I figured Stipe would be a tougher challenge than Aspinall."

Check out Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's comments below (starting at the 0:35 mark):

Jones has shared that he is in negotiations with the UFC to continue his mixed martial arts career. He had previously teased retirement leading up to his clash with Miocic.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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