Respecting his ability, Jon Jones is ready to dominate Dominick Reyes at UFC 247

Having seemingly cleaned out the light heavyweight division, Jon Jones is trying to move on to bigger things. In his way, however, is Dominick Reyes.

At the UFC 247 press conference earlier today, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion weighed in on his opponent for the event being held in Houston, Texas on February 8. Jones (25-1, 1NC) is excited to face a newcomer in Reyes (12-0), who joined the UFC in 2017 and is already 6-0. He stated he chose Reyes due to the style he brings and what he is looking for in an opponent.

The initial attempt by Reyes to get Jones’ attention, however, did not entice the champion at first.

“Dominick is starting off this whole thing with talking about party favorites and bringing up my past and stuff like that,” Jones stated. “It was exactly what I wanted and what I needed. I’m excited for the challenge. He’s undefeated. So, yeah, this guy tickles my pickle and I cannot wait to put my hands on him.”

Reyes stated that after an October win against Chris Weidman via knockout. He has won three fights via knockout, normally something to look out for. Jones, however, has won fights against a number of dangerous opponents. He fought Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch of their highly-contested bout back in 2013 and survived a war against a one-legged Thiago Santos at UFC 239.

Experiencing these fights first-hand, Jones sees Reyes as someone in his way. Even with the ability he has, Jones is not as weary of this challenge.

“He (Reyes) is an elite-level athlete,” Jones continued. “I believe I am as well. He has a lot of power in his left hand. But to call him different than anybody I’ve faced before, I don’t know if I can do that at all. I’ve faced so many people with way more advanced striking. I’ve faced so many people with extreme knockout power. I just gotta go out there, respect him, believe, and just do what I do.”

The one thing both fights can agree on is how good a book they both have read is. That is where we end common courtesies.

A clash of old school v. new school will look to light up the Toyota Center. Perhaps both will have a better understanding of one another from now until then.