Jon Jones Plans To “Continue Legacy” With UFC Heavyweight Title, More News | Social Media Roundup
Jon Jones plans to add to his already set-in-stone legacy by capturing the UFC heavyweight championship in 2021 — Fightful has you covered on Jones’ plans to further solidify his legacy and other viral social media moments from around the world of combat sports.
Jon Jones Plans To “Continue Legacy” By Capturing UFC Heavyweight Championship
Former UFC light heavyweight championship Jon Jones has big plans for 2021 and beyond.
Those plans include moving up to heavyweight and defeating the winner of UFC 260’s heavyweight title bout between champion Stipe Miocic and challenger Francis Ngannou.
If “Bones” were to capture UFC heavyweight gold, he believes that would solidify him as MMA’s greatest of all-time.
The current champion is 38, I’m only 33, Mark my words eventually I will have that belt around my waist. There’s no rush. I’ll just keep building my body, I’ll focus on doing all the right things outside of the octagon, and hopefully one day the company will see more value in me. https://t.co/zAZQV7fE5b
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2021
Old dog in the yard showing what grown man strength looks like. pic.twitter.com/DGPu4Dl5gG
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2021
Dan Hardy Comments On UFC Releasing Him From Commentary Duties
Former UFC welterweight Dan Hardy has been a staple in the promotion’s commentary booth for most European events ever since retiring from active competition in 2012.
However, earlier this week, it was announced that Hardy was relieved of his commentary duties by both the BT Sport and the UFC following a disagreement with a female UFC employee during the promotion’s most recent sting on Fight Island in January.
Hardy released a statement following his release:
“Apologies for my silence on this current situation. I’m still chasing answers privately, and it’s taking some time. This is what I can say, at this point.
“It was a verbal disagreement between myself and a member of the UFC staff. It was forthright but not aggressive, and specific to work.
“I have apologized to the individual, for the embarrassment they must have felt, as a small handful of our colleagues from the British media were present. We were taking a brief break from recording UFC 258 content, a few hours after the Holloway Kattar event had concluded, when the disagreement occurred. The conversation could have definitely taken place in a better location, and under better circumstances.
“BT Sport have not fired me, and are still keen on working with me in some capacity. I’m appreciative of their interest in a continued collaboration. Thank you all for the support in the comments across their accounts. They are paying attention and making efforts, although there is pressure to push me out entirely.
“The Raptors were quarantined for three weeks in order to attend UFC 259, but had their credentials revoked, so we’re diversifying our content a little, and appreciate your subs and support.
“It has been suggested that a reconciliation between myself and the UFC is possible, and of course, I hope that is the case. I have yet to speak to, or hear from Dana, and get a better understanding of his perspective on the situation.
“The result of their brief and private investigation has left me with little closure, and hope that at some point I’m able to get more information of what I’ve actually been accused.
I’m forever a fan of the UFC, and dedicated in service of MMA. I appreciate all of your kind words and support, both privately and publicly, and have lots of exciting offers to consider.
With respect and gratitude,
The Outlaw”
It was reported by The Wrestling Observer that Hardy is still under a fighter deal with the UFC and has been very public about wanting to return to the octagon in the near future.
Nate Diaz Trains With The Nelk Boys
UFC lightweight and welterweight contender Nate Diaz is still working to build his name and popularity outside of the octagon.
The Stockton-native has apparently been training with the YouTube sensation known as The Nelk Boys, earlier this week and the group posted a photo on their official social media accounts to capture the moment.
Little training sesh with @NateDiaz209 time to shred the barrels! pic.twitter.com/Hkn02Ks7nB
— NELK (@nelkboys) March 10, 2021
Diaz hasn’t fought since losing via doctor stoppage against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in the promotion’s inaugural “BMF” title fight.
Chase Hooper Earns Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
UFC featherweight prospect Chase Hooper is beginning to see his hard work pay off…and in big ways.
The 21-year old ground specialist showed-off his slippery ground skills when he secured a last-second third-round heel hook submission victory over Peter Barrett at UFC 256 in a fight he was losing on all three judge’s scorecards up to that point.
Three months removed from the hail mary victory, Hooper has earned his black belt in jiu-jitsu.
Today, after 13 years of training, I earned my Jiu Jitsu black belt. I started when I was 8 years old and I’ve put my life into this sport and it’s given me so much in return. I can’t thanks my coaches enough for the years of knowledge and advice. —- pic.twitter.com/hNQLlsWRs8
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) March 11, 2021
Dana White Willing To Bet $1 Million On Ben Askren In Jake Paul Boxing Match
UFC President Dana White plans to put his money where his mouth is and back one of his former fighters.
Former ONE Championship and Bellator welterweight champion turned UFC welterweight contender Ben Askren will make the transition to boxing on April 17 when he faces YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
The brash UFC President plans to make a $1 million bet on Askren to win the bout, White said when appearing on the “Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson” podcast.
@danawhite taking “put your money where your mouth is” to another level.
Full episode: https://t.co/HZCyAJefbt@jakepaul @Benaskren @SUPERJUDAH @MikeTyson #Hotboxin #DanaWhite #UFC pic.twitter.com/CNVu0JHMUs
— Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson (@hotboxinpodcast) March 10, 2021
Belal Muhammad Discusses Disdain For Colby Covington
UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad isn’t a huge fan of former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington.
Muhammad spoke with MMA Junkie ahead of his first-ever UFC main event, where he’ll face top contender Leon Edwards at UFC Vegas 21.
“The way he talks to people, the way he disrespects people, ya know, I’m from Chicago and we don’t let you talk like that,” Muhammad said of Covington.
Belal Muhammad’s (@bullyb170) hate for @ColbyCovMMA is strong. —#UFCVegas21 Full interview: https://t.co/2yJgw9Wb5z pic.twitter.com/UvRV9XO63u
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) March 10, 2021
Julianna Pena Gets Fired Up When Calling Out Amanda Nunes
UFC women’s bantamweight contender Julianna Pena didn’t hold back when calling out the UFC women’s bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes.
Pena wasn’t very impressed with Nunes’ quick dispatching of Megan Anderson during her latest title defense at UFC 259 and believes she’s a nightmare matchup for the double champion.
“She doesn’t want to fight me because I’m the worst matchup in the division for her,” Pena told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
You NEED to hear how fired up @VenezuelanVixen was when calling out Amanda Nunes —
(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/MSmWrQZ9p6
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 10, 2021
The “Venezuelan Vixen” last competed at UFC 257 where she defeated Sara McMann via third-round submission.
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