Jon Jones Defends Controversial Jumping Side Kick Technique in UFC 239 Victory

UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones is widely revered for his striking prowess, a skillset that includes lethal elbows and a diverse array of kicks. However, one particular technique has sparked heated debates within the MMA community: his jumping side kick aimed directly at his opponent's knee.

Following his hard-fought victory over Thiago Santos at UFC 239, Jones addressed the controversy surrounding his tactic. In a candid post-fight discussion, Jones candidly explained his rationale behind the move. "What was going through your mind when you did that jumping side kick? It looked like you were aiming for Thiago Santos's knee," an interviewer asked. Jones responded with unwavering confidence, emphasizing the brutal nature of the sport.

"My coach teaches us to be malicious; this is combat," he shared. "Thiago was trying to break my jaw tonight, give me brain damage, take some years off my brain. This is a very malicious game, and if a guy can give you a stutter for the rest of your life or memory loss, I think an even tradeoff is to give him a limp for the rest of his life. That's just the game we play."

The impact of Jones's technique was visibly clear during the fight, as Santos's right leg appeared to be significantly affected by the targeted kicks. Observers noted the difficulty Santos faced as he continued, with one commentator remarking, "That right leg now appears to be bothering Santos as well—hard to blame him, it's getting kicked."

Despite the ethical debates surrounding Jones's methods, there is no denying the effectiveness of his approach. His perspective sheds light on the harsh realities of professional fighting, where every strike can have lasting consequences.

For a closer look at Jon Jones's controversial technique and to hear his full explanation, watch the video linked below.