Q & A with the future of MMA

Fighter profile of Jonathan Jones by

 At only 20 years old, Jones is one of the most intriguing young fighters out there. His next fight is scheduled to be against Miguel Berrao at NAF 26: Bellringer vs. McLeod. Before beginning his MMA career, Jones was a stand-out high school wrestler and state champion. I sat down with Jones to learn that not only is he a talented fighter, but a pretty funny dude as well.

 Q: Mentally, what was it like jumping from the RHT MMA to the NAF?

 A: It was a big jump, mentally. I try to keep my mind clear as far as trying to put people on a pedestal just because they have a big name. So, I guess the only real big difference was the level of publicity and the number of people who knew what was going on. As far as being nervous, I wasn’t really nervous to jump up into such a big stage. Everyone is the same, we all put our pants on the same in the morning and everyone can be beat.

 Q: If you could fight anybody, who would it be? Who is your dream opponent?

 A: I never call opponents out. I just believe that whoever Kain Lock finds me to fight, that guy will be my destiny. That’s the guy that I’ll be obsessed with for weeks leading up to the fight. As far as calling out any specific person, whoever is going to push me, whoever is better than me, is who I’d like to fight.

 Q: What decided to make you an MMA fighter?

 A: I did college athletics. I was a wrestler in college. You know, nothing lasts forever and once wrestling was over for me, MMA was the next closest thing, the next best thing. I kind of felt empty inside, you know being an MMA fighter helped fill the void. I was working at the same time and it was just perfect for me.

 Q: What’s your biggest dream?

 A: To be a champion. A true champion. Defend it as many times as I can. And be done with the sport with a good head on my shoulders. Not take too many hits throughout my career. Then I want to open up a school and use this gift that God gave me to live an easy and fun life.

 Q: What is something that people don’t know about you?

 A: I’m a video game freak. I love video games. It keeps me out of trouble and keeps me in the house.

Q: Who are your role models in the sport of MMA?

A: Anderson Silva is my idol. I look up to him a lot and study tons of his footage. I like to fight his style of fighting when it comes to standup fighting. Pretty much Anderson Silva is number one; Georges St. Pierre is number two.

Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

A: Five years from now I see myself having a belt in the light heavyweight division. Or if not having the belt, being one of the top contenders. It would be ideal for me to be a very thin heavyweight with a belt, maybe weighing around 230 and having a championship belt around my waist.

Q: Have you played the UFC game yet?

A: It’s not out yet. If they put me in the game hopefully they customize my character. I really take pride in having a unique style and being different than your typical fighter. If I was ever in the game I’d hope they really make a customized Jon Jones character with spinning back-kicks and all the wild stuff I try in fights.

Q: Hook me up with all your nicknames…

A: I totally just made them up, but its Johnny Bones, A. That’s about it.

Q: Do you think there’s any advantage to being the NAF fighter with the longest reach in history?

A: Yeah, there’s definitely an advantage to it, but I haven’t really found it yet and haven’t been using it. In my first two fights I haven’t really thrown lots of combinations. I’m really methodical when I fight. I try to think outside the box when I’m fighting and don’t like to stand in front of people throwing punches. The goal of the fight is to hit but not get hit. Having the longest arms is an advantage but I’m not much of a puncher so I haven’t really been utilizing it.

Q: Your brothers are great athletes. Do they help you out?

A: Oh yeah, and they still do help me out. Arthur is a Big East football player and my youngest brother, Chandler is 6’6’’, 250. We’ve been fooling around for years and I give them huge credit for my success. I have two, big athletic workout partners whenever I need them and I’m honestly the runt in my family. I was the least athletic out of all of them in high school and was working out with two super-studs all the time. It’s such a great combination to have.

Q: Does that give you any additional pressure?

A: No, it doesn’t give me any additional pressure at all. It just gives me more confidence in myself. I’m trying to prove to myself and other people that my last fight wasn’t a fluke and that I can do it again. I want all my fights to be that exciting. It gives me confidence that I can do this and that I belong in that caliber.

Q: What fighter at 205 do you believe will give you the most problems, or can we say the hardest puzzle to solve?

A: The only thing I am focused on right now is my next fight, so I would say for that reason Miguel Barrao.

Q: How would you describe yourself? What kind of person are you? What do you want your fans to know about who you are?

A: I think I’m just a down-to-earth, fun person.  I love spending time with my friends and family. I live in a small college town in upstate New York.  It helps to keep me grounded.

Q: You often site quotes on personal development when giving interviews, do you have any favorite writers or speakers that inspire you?

A: I just love inspirational quotes, which can come from any number of sources.  One athlete that inspires me who has been able to provide a lot of motivational quotes is Muhammad Ali.

Q: What impact do you want to have on the world besides your MMA legacy?

A: I want to be a great father to my daughters, and I want to be someone who inspired others to chase their dreams and strive for greatness.

Thank you for your time and we look forward for you future fights!!!

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