Backstage at MVP MMA 1, former UFC light heavyweight rivals Jon Jones and Quinton Jackson shared a hilarious throwback moment while joking about one of the most controversial reputations in MMA history.
During Rampage’s livestream, the former PRIDE and UFC star brought up the internet nickname fans have used for Jones for years.
“Hey, they be trying to throw you on the bus, man. Bro, they be making AI shit. They call you two poke champ.”
Jones instantly leaned into the joke and responded with a grin:
“Yeah I poke you in the eyes: I kick you in the balls. I’ll stomp the knees.”
Rampage could not help but laugh while rubbing his knees as he remembered their brutal title fight years ago.
“Oh, man. My knees. Yeah, my knees still fucked up from that. It’s okay. What happens in the cage stays in the cage.”
Rampage then reflected on the rivalry in a more positive tone.
“Yeah. We had good times. I hope you guys enjoyed all the wonderful memories.”
Throwback to Jones vs. Rampage at UFC 135
The two legends first fought back in September 2011 at UFC 135 in Denver, Colorado. At the time, Jones was the young phenom taking over the light heavyweight division, while Rampage was one of the sport’s biggest stars and former UFC champion.
Jones dominated large portions of the fight with his reach, wrestling, and unpredictable striking. He constantly attacked Rampage’s legs with oblique kicks and mixed in clinch control, elbows, and takedowns to wear the veteran down over four rounds.
The fight also sparked plenty of controversy afterward because fans accused Jones of using excessive eye pokes and dangerous knee stomps during exchanges. Those tactics would later become a recurring talking point throughout Jones’ career, especially the oblique kicks aimed at opponents’ knees.
Ultimately, Jones finished Rampage in the fourth round with a rear naked choke to successfully defend the UFC light heavyweight title.
The win cemented Jones as the new king of the division while marking the beginning of one of the most dominant championship runs in MMA history.