UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones visits Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA for his first EVER Seminar in Thailand – VIDEO
In a display of generosity and engagement, the UFC Heavyweight Champion, Jon Jones, dedicated an extraordinary amount of time with fans during his visit to Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Opting to forgo the scheduled Q&A session, Jones chose instead to take extra time to say hello to the attendees, spending over three hours in the sweltering heat of one of Phuket’s hottest weeks. This gesture not only highlighted his dedication to his fans but also his passion for the sport and the community surrounding it.
Jones fully embraced the spirit of camaraderie and fun with the attendees, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone present. He humorously obliged fans’ unique requests, from recording personalized video messages and selfies for their loved ones to engaging in light-hearted leg kicks. Jones’ willingness to put a few brave souls into a rear naked choke for photo ops, all while vibing to the music and cracking jokes, showcased a side of him that went beyond the octagon. His approachability and willingness to entertain, even participating in content videos where he narrowly avoided playful kicks to the face, highlighted his charismatic
and down-to-earth nature. These moments of connection underscored the unique bond between Jones and his fans, making the event at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA not just a seminar, but a memorable gathering of martial arts enthusiasts.
Following the meet and greet, Jones took to the mats to demonstrate a series of technical takedown entries, a testament to his unparalleled skill set and understanding of mixed martial arts. Among the techniques showcased were the overhand right to head outside single leg, snatch single leg, and taking the back from the single leg, including a misdirection head outside
shot on a southpaw opponent—a move he famously executed on Alexander Gustafson. In a nod to his peer and former opponent, Daniel Cormier, Jones praised Cormier’s execution of the high crotch single leg, illustrating the technique with high regard for Cormier’s prowess.
Video below:
The following day, Wednesday, February 21, Jones led a seminar focusing on elbow techniques, one of the many tactics he utilized in his fight against Daniel Cormier. The seminar offered attendees an intimate look into the strategies that have propelled Jones to the pinnacle of MMA. His willingness to take additional photos with fans after the seminar further exemplified his approachable and humble nature.
The GOAT Jon “Bones” Jones
Jon Jones, an iconic figure in mixed martial arts, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the sport’s history. His career is distinguished by a record-setting ten consecutive title defenses in the UFC light heavyweight division, underscoring his dominance and skill. Despite a recent withdrawal from a highly anticipated heavyweight debut due to injury, Jones’ visit to
Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA underscores the gym’s reputation as a premier training destination and serves as an inspirational beacon of resilience and dedication.
Jones’ triumphant return to the Octagon at UFC 285, where he secured the vacant UFC heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane, marked a significant milestone in his career. With a record that boasts 10 wins by knockout, 7 by submission, and a striking accuracy of 58%, coupled with a 95% takedown defense rate, Jones’ technical mastery and adaptability across weight classes continue to inspire fighters and fans worldwide.
Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA has become a hub for martial arts excellence, hosting multiple former and current UFC champions, including Georges St-Pierre, Weili Zhang, Jiri Prochazka, and part-owner Alex Volkanovski. The gym’s ability to attract such high-caliber talent speaks volumes about its quality and the opportunities it provides for learning and growth.
Connor McBride, head western boxing coach at Bangtao, shared his experience with Jones: “I thought he was gonna hit me easy, but I suppose his easy kick is like my hardest kick…I can still feel it a bit.” McBride’s sentiment reflects the awe and respect Jones commands, not just for his achievements but for his skill and power.
“Grateful. It’s mad… Bangtao is the place to be at the minute. We got GSP, we have Zhang Weili training here, now we got Jon Jones, the place just keeps getting better, bringing better people… [he’s the] UFC heavyweight champ of the world, probably the best ever fighter on planet Earth is here at Bangtao. If you’re not here, you’re missing out,” McBride added, highlighting the gym’s rising status as a premier destination for martial arts training.
Jon Jones’ visit to Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA is more than just a testament to the gym’s world-class training environment; it’s a beacon of inspiration for fighters and fans alike. His willingness to engage deeply with attendees, share his expertise, and showcase his technical prowess underscores the spirit of martial arts—community, respect, and continuous improvement.
