David Goggins talks about Jon Jones' UFC 285 comeback, gives final message to 'Bones'
After more than three years away from the sport, Jon Jones is set to return to the octagon as he faces off against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. The upcoming bout will decide the heavyweight championship.
'Bones' has employed the help of ultra-marathon runner, former Navy SEAL, and public speaker David Goggins in preparation for his return to the UFC. Goggins is known for his steely determination and ability to 'callous the mind' to endure suffering and build toughness.
David Goggins recently joined Jon Jones for the tail-end of his fight week ahead of Saturday night. The former Navy SEAL was seen in the UFC's Embedded Series sharing a final message for 'Bones' ahead of his bout against Gane:
"[Jon] is three years out of the ring, and he wanted to find a bit more. The thing about Jon, he's able to slow things down and clear a space out in his mind and find that right moment. If you're in a ring, and there's cliffs on both sides, and the only way f***ing out is through that cage door. That's the real gladiator sport... You get [punched] in your f***ing mouth, your mind goes somewhere, it doesn't go to a happy spot. It goes to a spot of desperation... but you've gotta stay in the middle of the fire."
Watch the video below from 2:05:
In August 2020, Jones vacated the light heavyweight title after defeating Dominick Reyes earlier that year and announced he would be moving to the heavyweight division. 'Bones' has since taken time to put on the necessary amount of muscle to compete at heavyweight, and weighed in at 248 pounds.
Jon Jones asked for David Goggins' help to refine and sharpen the mindset of 'Bones' ahead of arguably his biggest fight ever.
Jon Jones shares his prediction of the clash with Ciryl Gane
Jon Jones will take on Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 this weekend. 'Bones' has moved up from light heavyweight in a bid to become a two-division champion, and believes that he won't need more than three rounds to do so.
Fans have speculated as to how Jones will be affected by his newfound physique. 'Bones' believes that he will maintain the same speed that he had at 205 pounds, but will be far more powerful.
Following the ceremonial weigh-ins yesterday, Jones shared his prediction for the UFC 285 main event and stated:
"Well, I believe I'm going to be just as fast as I used to be, just a lot more powerful. I've got a feeling I'm gonna win pretty early in the fight, maybe within the first three rounds, maybe within the first round."
Watch the interview below: