"Matt isn't really known for his submissions or having knockout power in his hands, so I'm just going to train every aspect of mixed martial arts and I'm excited about this fight because he's not known for his Jiu Jitsu and my Jiu Jitsu is getting really good. If he ends up taking me down, I'm straight with working off of my back or getting into some scramble with him and possibly submitting him," stated fast-rising UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones as he talked about his clash with Matt Hamill in the co-main event of the TUF 10 Finale. Check it out!
PC: It has been a long time since we last spoke. How are you man?
JJ: Everything has been going good man. Just spending time with the family, doing a lot of training and I'm feeling good.
PC: You are a very young guy still, but you seem very focused on your career and family. Where does that maturity come from at such an early age?
JJ: I would have to say it's a combination of religion and being a father. It's helped me out a lot. My career is not for myself anymore; it's to be a provider, so I got a lot on my plate and I'm just trying to do the best that I can to handle it.
PC: You made a major move to train with Firas Zahabi at Tri-Star Gym and you will be working out with Team Jackson. I've seen you hanging out with Georges at some events. How is that relationship going so far?
JJ: Ah man, it's going really well. Georges is a great guy inside and outside of the cage. He's a great role model for guys like myself. He's a great guy and being around him can do nothing but elevate me. He's a great guy to get my warrior spirit and my physical attributes from. I'm so excited that he welcomed me into his program.
PC: How did the move come about for you to train with GSP, Rashad and those guys?
JJ: It came about when Jarvis Cole, who is Rashad Evan's manager, was doing my sponsorships and was my agent at the time. He felt like if I could workout with Rashad and Greg Jackson's camp, that would be a great move for me and he thought it would bring out the best in me. I was open to that suggestion and I was down. He called Greg and Greg had to talk to Rashad and Keith to see if that was something that they wanted to do, considering they are the big dogs of that camp. and they said yeah. They thought it would be great for me and their team and next thing you know, I was accepted and made the moves to Albuquerque and New York to train with Phil Nurse and Tri-Star. So yeah, it's going great man. I'm excited to be a part of that program.
PC: Anytime one of your fights are on, I have friends over raving about your talents, but as a fighter, I'm sure you have some things you want to improve on. What are some of those things?
JJ: I guess I would have to say my awareness and just knowing where I'm at and knowing how to use the cage. My boxing could always be better. My Jiu Jitsu I would say is my weakest point right now and that's rapidly catching up. And just being a fighter in general is an everyday struggle. No one can say that they have mastered the sport. No one knows it all, so those are some of the major things that I've been working on. For me, it's like painting a picture on an endless piece of paper, you know? You can always make the portrait better. You always look to improve on something and I'm just excited about it.
PC: Your last fight was on the big stage of UFC 100 against Jake O' Brien. Let the people know what's next and when.
JJ: Well, I just signed the deal to fight Matt Hamill at the TUF Finale as the co-main event. That's going to be a big step up in competition for me and a really good test for me and I'm stoked about it.
PC: It used to be a time where you only had to concern yourself with his wrestling abilities, but he has since showed improved standup, knocking out Munoz with a head kick in his last fight. What threats do you see Hamill posing?
JJ: I think his wrestling will play a factor in the fight. I usually fight guys who are Brazilian Black Belts or guys who consider themselves strikers, but with Matt being a tough wrestler, I can see that being an issue. But Matt isn't really known for his submissions or having knockout power in his hands, so I'm just going to train every aspect of mixed martial arts and I'm excited about this fight because he's not known for his Jiu Jitsu and my Jiu Jitsu is getting really good. If he ends up taking me down, I'm straight with working off of my back or getting into some scramble with him and possibly submitting him. In the boxing category, I feel like I'm faster than him and more well-rounded than him. In the kicking department, I'm working with Phil there and now I'm working into being a Muay Thai fighter, so I'm just going to go out there and mix it up in every aspect. I actually had a very good wrestling career also and I try not to doubt myself in any aspect of the sport. Doubt is where a weakness is about to come in, so I'm just ready to mix it up man. I'm ready to take him down, I'm ready to defend his takedowns and I'm just confident man. I haven't lost and I'm always working to get better, so I have no reason to doubt myself. I just want to be an all-around great fighter.
PC: It appears the UFC is ready to give you that exposure and push you to the forefront. Is that added pressure for you or just the situation you've wanted since your UFC debut?
JJ: It definitely doesn't add any pressure. It's always going to be pressure and nerves and things, but I don't think it adds any more. Like I said, I train really hard and I feel like the situations that I'm beginning to be in, I feel I deserve to be in them because of the hard work. So I have a lot of confidence. I take a lot of pride in being able to say that I fought the best guys in the world. This is what I'm looking for so hopefully I get past Matt Hamill and keep climbing up that ladder. My dream is the belt and every day, I do push-ups and meditate on fighting; it just brings me closer and closer to my dream. Fighting the top fighters comes along with my dream and I'm very aware of that.
PC: I always enjoy your fights because you never know what you're going to get. Good luck in December against Hamill. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
JJ: I just want to thank all of the fans and everyone for supporting my career. I want to thank you for having me on your site and in the meanwhile, if you want to support me more, you can by purchasing a Jon Bones T-shirt by the Silver Star Company. They came out really well and I think everyone should have one.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]