UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones shared crucial advice with his training partners about the importance of protecting the brain in combat sports. The 37-year-old American, who claimed his second divisional title at UFC 285, emphasized the need for athletes to prioritize their long-term cognitive health.
Jones, reflecting on his own experiences, stated, “My whole 20s, I was going home with headaches all the time. Now when that happens, I get really upset. I feel like I did something wrong.” He urged his fellow fighters to be mindful of the potential consequences of repeated head impacts.
The champion explained that excessive blows to the head can lead to a decline in reaction time and visual processing abilities. “Your ability to see things coming goes away,” Jones warned. He recounted instances of teammates who were once nearly impossible to hit but later struggled to defend against even basic strikes as their careers progressed.
Jones also shared a cautionary tale about a former teammate who would deliberately allow opponents to strike him repeatedly. While acknowledging his friend as a rare exception who maintained his abilities, Jones stressed that such behavior is extremely risky for most athletes.
This advice comes in the wake of Jones’ victory over Ciryl Gane, where he showcased a more grappling-focused approach. After the fight, Jones mentioned his intention to rely more heavily on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in future bouts to “save brain cells.” This strategy aligns with his current emphasis on preserving cognitive function.
The topic of brain health in combat sports has gained increasing attention in recent years. While some, like NFL player Chandler Jones (Jon’s brother), have expressed skepticism about the existence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the scientific community largely agrees on the risks associated with repeated head trauma in contact sports.
