Jon Jones being "uncomfortable" with new gloves prompted use of old ones at UFC 309, hints Ariel Helwani: "They moved an entire card
Ariel Helwani recently reacted to Jon Jones being happy about not having to use the new golden gloves at UFC 309 this weekend and hinted at 'Bones' potentially influencing the promotion's decision to switch back to the old gloves.
For context, the UFC announced that fighters competing in the event at Madison Square Garden in New York will be using the classic gloves instead of the newer version introduced in June.
With Jones booked against Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight title fight in the main event of UFC 309, he was asked for his take on the matter during a recent media day interview. Explaining his relief, 'Bones' stated:
"I'm really excited about the old gloves. I got sent a pair of the new gloves several weeks ago. I tried them on, and I thought they were tight. I used to fit in XL, and in the new gloves, I had to put on the XXL. The shape, curving your hands... very uncomfortable for me. I was actually stressed thinking, 'How am I going to go into fight week wearing these gloves I don't even want to train in?'
Jones continued:
"So when I got a phone call recently, Hunter [Campbell] said, 'Everyone on this card are veterans, why put a bunch of vets in new gloves? Let's give you guys all what you're used to.'.. It was a major relief to me."
Helwani reacted to Jones addressing the glove-change situation and hinted that 'Bones' may have something to do with the switch. He reposted the @afeldMMA's X post and wrote:
"They moved an entire card just days before. You thought they wouldn’t change the gloves??"
Jon Jones dismisses the notion of him requesting UFC 309 glove change
Jon Jones recently dismissed the idea of him having influenced the UFC's decision to change gloves for this weekend's pay-per-view event. Despite many speculating that his discomfort played a role in UFC 309 fighters using the old gloves, 'Bones' recently claimed that it wasn't his request.
During a recent interview, the reigning heavyweight champion pointed out that veteran fighters are used to the "feel" of the old gloves and said:
"Most of the guys on the card are veterans, and we're all used to a certain feel... This was not my request. This was brand new news to me."