NBA player James Johnson has made a bold claim about his potential in the world of mixed martial arts. The professional basketball player recently stated that he believes he could defeat UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones in an MMA bout, given the right preparation.
Johnson, known for his physical prowess on the basketball court, expressed confidence in his striking abilities, citing his extensive background in combat sports. “I’ve been punching and kicking since I was five, six years old,” Johnson asserted. He went on to explain that he began learning wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in middle school, suggesting a well-rounded martial arts foundation.
The NBA player acknowledged Jones’ superior grappling skills but remained optimistic about his chances. “He has a big advantage there because no one wants to get on the floor, but as long as I can keep him from going on the floor, I win,” Johnson stated.
When asked if he truly believed he could compete with Jones after proper training, Johnson didn’t hesitate. “I truly, truly believe that. I’m not just talking, just a rap,” he affirmed.
This bold claim comes in stark contrast to recent comments made by UFC commentator Joe Rogan about Jon Jones’ dominance in the sport. Rogan had previously stated that Jones is “the baddest man on the planet,” emphasizing his unparalleled skills in the octagon.
Jones, who recently captured the UFC heavyweight title, has an impressive record of 27 wins, 1 loss (by disqualification), and 1 no contest. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA stars of all time, known for his versatile style that combines striking, wrestling, and submissions.
While Johnson’s confidence is admirable, the vast difference in professional MMA experience between the two athletes cannot be overlooked. Jones has been competing at the highest level of the sport for over a decade, while Johnson’s focus has primarily been on basketball.
TNT Sports recently shared, then swiftly deleted, a controversial graphic targeting Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic ahead of their UFC 309 heavyweight title clash. The graphic, posted on Instagram, mocked both for their inactivity—Jones hasn’t competed since his heavyweight title win against Ciryl Gane in March 2023, while Miocic last appeared in 2021 when he lost to Francis Ngannou. The graphic highlighted their long breaks and notably added a jab that both “will not fight Tom Aspinall,” the rising star and UFC interim heavyweight champion who has been calling out Jones and is slated as the backup fighter for the bout. The graphic was quickly pulled, yet its release raised eyebrows since TNT Sports is UFC’s broadcasting partner in the UK, where it airs all UFC pay-per-views.
