NBA veteran and power forward, James Johnson, has stirred the sports world with a bold claim, firmly asserting that he could defeat the legendary UFC fighter Jon “Bones” Jones after just one year of dedicated training. The outspoken declaration was made during an episode of the ‘NBA Rookie Life’ podcast on August 30, where Johnson engaged in a conversation with Ryan Hollins, a former NBA player turned sports journalist.
NBA’s James Johnson Boldly Sets Sights on UFC Champ Jon Jones, Pledges Victory with a Year of Training
“I rock with [Jon] Jones,” Johnson began, articulating his respect for the accomplished UFC champion. However, Johnson emphasized the need for a year of rigorous training to prepare himself for a potential face-off against Jones, recognizing Jones’ expertise in collegiate wrestling and ground combat.
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Despite acknowledging Jones’ wrestling prowess, Johnson confidently expressed his belief in his ability to defeat the acclaimed fighter. He emphasized his standup game and acknowledged the need for focused training on ground defense to level the playing field. Johnson’s strategy centers around preventing Jones from taking the fight to the ground, where Johnson believes he holds the advantage.
“I think I could beat him, for real,” Johnson continued, underscoring his conviction. He compared his early start in striking and kicking to Jones’ late transition into the striking aspect of combat sports after college. Johnson’s argument centers on the premise that, with his extensive striking background, he can triumph over Jones as long as he can avoid being taken to the ground.
However, Johnson’s confidence and disregard for Jones’ remarkable career achievements echo a broader trend within the sports community, where non-fighter athletes and influencers occasionally underestimate the skills and accomplishments of professional fighters. This trend has gained momentum, partly fueled by influencers and bodybuilders like Bradley Martyn, who have made audacious claims about their hypothetical victories over professional fighters.
As Johnson’s bold statement continues to reverberate in the sports world, time will tell whether he follows through on his ambitious goal and dedicates a year to training, possibly stepping into a new arena against the formidable Jon “Bones” Jones. The conversation remains a hot topic, with fans and analysts watching closely for any updates on this audacious challenge in the realm of combat sports.