Jon Jones is making time for fun ahead of UFC 295.
The UFC heavyweight champion, who’ll defend his belt against Stipe Miocic in New York on November 11, recently found himself hilariously in the cross hairs of a Jake Paul employee.
Derek Sullivan works for Paul’s Betr betting company and has used his association with the YouTuber-turned-boxer to access big combat sports events.
Famously, he angered Nate Diaz at a press conference when he asked for a fight with his big brother, UFC legend Nick Diaz, and confidently claimed, ‘If he's anything like you, I think I'd beat his f****** ass.’
Last week, Derek uploaded footage from his first proper sparring session, and it showed him quitting after being hit with a body shot.
The youngster may have gotten the wind knocked out of him, but it did nothing to deflate his ego as he called out the greatest MMA fighter of all time for reacting to the video with a smiley face emoji.
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"Jon Jones, I see you commenting on the video of me getting my ass kicked in sparring, and I see you smiling about it,” Derek said in a follow-up clip.
“I guess you’re still mad that I bet against you. But look, Jon, you’re a legend, you’re a GOAT but keep my name out of your f****** mouth or we’re gonna have a problem.”
Jones jokingly replied: “Bro, that’s my apologies, I didn’t think you read the comments. Please forgive me. I don’t want no smoke. I’m actually a massive fan.”
Derek graciously let the UFC heavyweight king off with a slap on the wrist.
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He said in another video: “Jon Jones, I appreciate the apology and obviously I’ll let this one slide. But let this be a lesson, you cannot talk s*** to someone and not expect consequences.
“Also, since you’re such a big fan, I might be able to get you some ringside seats to my first fight.”
‘Bones’ thanked Derek for showing mercy before asking the fast-rising social media star to consider following him back on Instagram.
“Man lesson learned, thanks a ton for the forgiveness,” Jones wrote.
“I hope one day Jake realizes what an amazing asset and athlete you are. I already have plans on making it to your first fight! I know tickets are probably going to sell out fast.
“[It] would be so awesome if you followed me back on the gram! Please make my wish come true, follow me back! Your number one fan Bones.”
A quick glance at Derek’s following list shows he made Jones’ dream come true.
Now, the UFC king can get back to preparing to fight a former two-time champion who is regarded by many as the best heavyweight in MMA history.
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