Jon Jones: ‘Rashad Evans Has Absolutely Zero To Do With My Heart And Who I Am Right Now’

By
March 9th, 2011

“I want to be clear to other reporters, that I absolutely HATE when people mention Rashad Evans, especially throughout this training camp. He’s a friend of mine but I’m fighting Mauricio “Shogun,” one of the best fighters that’s been around for a long time. So for people to even be mentioning Rashad Evans right now, I think, is ludicrous. Rashad is not in my mind, he’s not in my being, he has absolutely zero to do with my heart and who I am right now. Right now it’s me vs. Jon Jones and right now I’m beating all the weakness out of myself, I’m beating all the give-up out of myself, I’m beating the lack of cardio, I’m beating the lack of confidence; any sign of weakness that’s within my heart right now, I’m getting rid of it. The fact that people are bringing up Rashad, it almost angers me. Rashad has nothing to do with “Shogun” and I think from hear on out I won’t even answer a question about Rashad.”

—Jon Jones on the UFC 128 conference call, via MMA Mania, blasting reporters for asking him about fighting his teammate Rashad Evans

Whoa, someone struck a nerve. For someone Jon Jones is supposedly close friends with, who he trains with on a regular basis, it sure seems harsh to say “he has absolutely zero to do with my heart and who I am right now.” I doubt that’s something Rashad Evans is going to enjoy hearing. It will be very interesting to see where this Jones-Evans subplot goes over the next few months, especially considering they’ve both conceded they would fight each other.

One person who won’t be involved if they fight though is their mutual head coach Greg Jackson. He told Bloody Elbow’s Duane Finley he wants nothing to do with it.

“It’s definitely difficult and it’s a situation that I always up to the fighters and how they feel about it,” Jackson replied when asked about teammates fighting one another. “I don’t want anything to do with it. But then again I have an easy position. I hold a bucket so it’s really not up me.”

Some of you said a rivalry might be brewing. If Jones manages to beat Shogun, I think you might be right.

Read more about: Jon Jones,Rashad Evans,UFC 128

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  • sam_snee

    wow. Evans has nothing to do with Jones right now? Like nothing to do with being injured and giving up his shot? nothingt o do with giving his blessing and support in saying he thinks jones will beat shogun, nothing to do with being a teammate and training partner? Wow, between this and the footage of jones’ first fight (where he does a sick slam followed by a arm flex and fist pump a la nate diaz) im not sure Jones is a guy im willing to root for. If/when he does lose, im curious to see his reaction. It’s sad to see such talent get caught up in hype and ego.

  • JoshCarrillo

    I can honestly say that I called this. I knew Jones would be the one to throw the first stone. His ego is just taking completely over.

  • JoshCarrillo

    I can honestly say that I called this. I knew Jones would be the one to throw the first stone. His ego is just taking completely over.

  • Mr_Kitty

    I’m actually having a similar reaction Jon Jones’ words. Rashad had been nothing but supportive about not only Jones but all of his teammates at Jacksons. His words do appear a little harsh. I’m not sure what to think at this point. I really don’t think it’s inappropriate for a reporter to bring up Rashad in a interview, these type of things come with the territory when you are in sports.

  • SteveBarry

    I still want to hear the audio. Sometimes it sounds worse in print than it does in the audio context. I’ll post it if I find it.

  • JacobBerezansky

    I agree with Jones. I think that it’s all being taken out of context. We’ve seen no signs of an inflated ego from Jones in the past. It’s actually been quite the opposite. He seems like somewhat of a humble guy to me. I think he just want to focus on the huge task in front of him rather than worry about a fight with Rashad that might not ever even happen.

  • mukaman

    @sam_snee

    ur an idiot he not bashing rashad n he didnt say hes ungreatful hes saying hes tyred of being asked to fight him

  • SteveBarry
  • SteveBarry

    @sam_snee Didn’t mean to direct that at you btw.

  • Warriordave927

    @JacobBerezansky agree,same thing with gsp,they should just let these guys worry about theyre current opponents and then ask what if

  • sam_snee

    good point. @SteveBarry

  • sam_snee

    It’s not that i think Jones means to be rude, i think he just doesnt realize how he sounds. Which is typical of people with big egos, they dont know theyre being insensitive. Rashad is on the sidelines watching his title shot go to someone he supports, then that person says “he has absolutely zero to do with my heart and who I am right now” is insensitive to Rashad. So, i think his ego is keeping him from seeing what his title shot was dependent on. I cant say he’s being a jerk, but i appreciate humble opponents who show no ego by being humble. Jon Jones always says he is humble, but doesnt always show it. So i guess i’ll respectfully agree to disagree with you @mukaman

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