Jon Jones: I’m at 30% of where I need to be
“I’m grateful that a lot of people like me because I feel like I could be here in a different…
“I’m grateful that a lot of people like me because I feel like I could be here in a different fighter’s shoes and hated by everyone. But I feel like when people give you this platform of being so great, you can only go down from there. Right now it’s a constant struggle to exceed expectations.”
“I should be the underdog in every situation. I’m 23 years old. All these guys are older than me. I’ve only been training for three years.”
“I took my first MMA class three years ago. Stephan Bonnar has been fighting since I was a little boy. Jake O’Brien, he’s been fighting for a long time. Matt Hamill was on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ when I was in high school. Vladimir Matyushenko was fighting when I was in middle school. I should be the underdog who’s exceeding expectations.”
“I do feel as if I’m ready for it, but at the same time, I feel like I’m about 30 percent of where I need to be – my transitions and knowing more about counters, working harder and coming in more flexible. I haven’t even tapped into being more flexible and all types of stuff.
“I have a lot of faith and confidence in the people who train me. Training with Team Jackson, I know in my heart that there are not too many camps that can compete with that. I have people that make me go to work, and I feel like they’ve made me work. The work is already done, and now it’s time for me to go out there and do what we’re capable of.
“Hype doesn’t get you a win. Hard work gets you a win. I’m sick of the hype train. Hopefully after Feb. 5 when I’m in the middle of the octagon, I’m sweating, I’m doing my interview, you’ll see a 23-year-old boy who’s worked his ass off to be standing there in front of Joe Rogan to be giving that interview. Hopefully I can derail the Jon Jones hype train by showing people that I’m serious, and I work hard to be where I’m at.”