Jon Jones explains how Holly Holm’s KO loss impacted his UFC 239 fight
Jon Jones had arguably the toughest fight of his career at UFC 239 when he took on Thiago Santos. There, “Bones” ultimately won the fight, but it was a split-decision.
Many fans were wondering why Jon Jones did not look as good as we are accustomed to seeing, and that could very well be because of the co-main event. In the co-main event, Jones’ teammate and friend, Holly Holm was knocked out in the first round by Amanda Nunes. It no doubt was hard to see, which the light heavyweight champion admitted.
“It was very hard for me to witness that,” Jon Jones explained during a UFC 239 post-fight media scrum. “Mentally, I had to be prepared for anything. I’ve had a few nights where my teammates have come up short. And my coaches always tell me, ‘Jon, you just need to keep your head in the game.’ It was tough for all of us because the room was just so silent.”
Although it was tough to see Holly Holm lose, Jon Jones remains proud of what she has been able to accomplish. She is a former UFC champion and has foughten the top girls in the sport.
“I told her that I was really proud of her. I told her just being a woman that’s willing to go out there on national TV and face someone like Ronda Rousey and face the Amanda Nunes’ of the world, like, dude that is Barbie doll worthy. Little girls should have Barbie’s of Holly Holm because she is truly courageous.” Jon Jones said. “It takes a lot to do what she’s doing. To be vulnerable in front of the world. I told her she has nothing to hang her head about.”
How much of an impact Holm’s loss had on Jones is unknown but it definitely affected him in the fight.
