Say something about wanting to fight Jon Jones, and chances are the UFC light heavyweight champion will clap back at you.
That was the case Tuesday, when Jones responded to recent comments made by former UFC 205-pound title challenger Anthony Johnson.
“Rumble,” who’s bulked up since he retired from MMA in April 2017, plans on making a comeback in 2020 at heavyweight. However, he recently told MMA Junkie that he’d drop back down to light heavyweight for one fight only.
“Yeah, I mean, if I get down to around 230, 235 and I feel comfortable, I’ll go down to light heavyweight,” Johnson said. “But it would only be to fight Jon.”
That got Jones’ attention, who shared some words in a pair of tweets.
You better make sure you have that cardio together big fella
We’ve always been cool but I’ll be more than happy to choke you out if that’s what you’re looking for.
Jones and Johnson do have some unfinished business. Johnson was supposed to challenge Jones for the light heavyweight title at UFC 187 in 2015, but Jones was stripped and suspended indefinitely in connection with a hit-and-run before the fight took place. Johnson went on to fight Daniel Cormier for the vacant belt and lost by submission in the third round.
From there, “Rumble” strung together three consecutive wins by knockout to earn a rematch with Cormier at UFC 210. After losing by second-round submission this time, Johnson announced his retirement.
Since then, Johnson launched his cannabis company, Competitive Body Development. He still plans on being part of it despite his intended return to the UFC. Johnson also has served as an ambassador for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Jones currently is without a next fight after making two title defenses this year. On Tuesday, he took a plea deal in a case in which a cocktail waitress alleged he slapped her vagina during a visit to a strip club.
Jon Jones 'more than happy' to choke out Anthony Johnson when he returns to UFC