Toxic ‘concussion’ culture in MMA gyms EXPOSED by Jon Jones

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones suggests young fighters avoid getting brain trauma due to training sessions.

Toxic ‘concussion’ culture in MMA gyms EXPOSED by Jon Jones

UFC star Jon Jones talks about brain trauma in MMA (via Imago/X)

Jon Jones has spent years mastering MMA, developing a deep understanding of the sport inside and out. More than just a dangerous fighter, he’s highly skilled in MMA techniques and strategy. Now, Jones is focused on passing down his invaluable knowledge to the next generation. 

Jon Jones always focused on his training camps more than the fighting. The American fighter never took short notice fights and always trained strategically before all fights. However, training with sparring partners does have its own disadvantages. In a viral video, Jones talked about the toxic culture in MMA gyms, which cost him in the early fighting days. 

Throughout my whole twenties, going home with a headache all the time, from concussions…Really try to protect that brain, man, because after you get punched in the head enough times, your ability to see things coming goes away.

Jon Jones via Instagram 
YouTube video

Jones also gave examples of fighters who were extremely talented. However, eventually lost their reaction time due to frequent brain trauma. One of the prime examples is Tony Ferguson, who was famous for his ability to absorb incredible damage. However, ‘El Cucuy’ is currently on a downfall and has lost eight fights in a row. 

FS Video

Jones was never a brawler and always used his skills to limit any chance of losing. For example, in his last heavyweight bout, ‘Bones’ didn’t strike with Ciryl Gane. Instead, he took him down and submitted with ease. Many violent fighters, such as Justin Gaethje, have now understood this and have talked about avoiding severe damage to the brain.

Jon Jones almost knocks out Olympic gold medalist while training 

Jon Jones is currently gearing up for his upcoming heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic. The fight will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden at UFC 309. According to Jones, this could be his last professional bout before retirement. 

Jon Jones training with Olympic gold medalist
Jon Jones training with Olympic gold medalist (via X)

Ahead of the fight, Jones is not leaving any stone unturned and was recently seen training with Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson. A video of the pair went viral, in which Jones came very close to knocking out Stevenson with a knee. Jones immediately apologized to Steveson, who hadn’t been hit very hard. 

These were the exact moments that Jones talked about in his recent speech. Accidental blows like that in training, over the period, could potentially harm a fighter’s brain. UFC has a history of controversy about not taking care of its fighters after retirement. As a result, young fighters should be more careful.