Rashad Evans recently disclosed the fallout that ended his long-standing friendship with Jon Jones, reigniting the intense Jon Jones Rashad Evans Rivalry years after their final clash. Once close allies and training partners at the Jackson Wink MMA gym, their relationship fractured in 2011 when Evans was sidelined by injury and Jones replaced him in a championship fight. This event triggered a bitter rivalry that culminated at <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC 145 in 2012.
Jones, who stepped in as a 23-year-old newcomer, captured the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 after Evans’ injury opened the opportunity. Although Evans was initially supportive of Jones’ title shot, tensions escalated when Jones openly stated he was ready to face Evans in the octagon. Evans revealed these details during a conversation on the “Pound4Pound” podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo.
Evans mentioned,
So when he had a chance, I was like, ‘Yeah, you got to do it
—Rashad Evans, UFC Fighter.
However, the rivalry intensified once Jones began making public claims of victory before their fight, boasting about how he had already defeated Evans in their eyes. Evans recalled,
But then like I started to like hear, you know, he was talking s..t. You know what I’m saying, man. Talking about how he had whooped me and this that and the other.
—Rashad Evans, UFC Fighter.
To address the growing hostility, Evans confronted Jones by phone about the comments, to which Jones simply affirmed his statements. The situation worsened when coach Greg Jackson sided decisively with Jones, leaving Evans feeling deeply betrayed by the team that had once been his home.
Despite the bitterness that followed, both fighters have since retired and moved on professionally, though their infamous rivalry remains a significant part of UFC history.
Jon Jones Highlights Rashad Evans as the Toughest Opponent in Terms of Punching Power
Jon Jones recently named Rashad Evans as the hardest puncher he has ever faced, a remarkable admission considering Jones’ battles with several other elite fighters. Speaking in an interview with TalkSPORT, Jones reflected on the physical demands of their fight and singled out Evans for his powerful striking.
Evans carved his own path to UFC stardom by making waves early as a competitor on Season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter. Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, he defeated notable fighters such as Michael Bisping and Chuck Liddell. His crowning moment came in 2008 when he stopped Forrest Griffin to win the light heavyweight championship.
When Evans met Jones at UFC 145, Jones was already on his way to dominating the division, having defeated Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Lyoto Machida. Unlike many of Jones’ earlier opponents, Evans was resilient and stood his ground through a full five-round fight, resisting Jones’ signature knockouts and submissions.
Jones recounted,
The hardest punch I ever received was from a guy named ‘Suga’ Rashad Evans. He caught me with an overhand right, the same exact punch he hit Chuck Liddell with, and dropped him. Moreover, he caught me with that same punch. It wasn’t that he hit me so hard, it was the speed of the punch. It was almost like you can tighten up. Or you can just let your arm be loose and let it swing. It’s kind of like an overhand slap. He hit me so fast, and I had no clue what it was.
—Jon Jones, Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
Fan Reactions and Debate Over the Hardest Punchers in UFC History
The revelation of Evans’ punching power sparked wide discussion among UFC fans and analysts. Following Jones’ comments, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit’s r/ufc community saw an outpouring of opinions on the matter, fueling debates about who truly possesses the hardest punch in MMA.
One fan on X praised Jones’ respect for Evans, stating,
Jones letting Evans have that one moment is real sportsmanship — shows respect, even while he was dominating,
while another highlighted the impact of Evans’ punches:
Always loved Rashad’s punch — reminds us champions can still get caught.
Conversely, some online discussions questioned whether other fighters like Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, another power puncher referenced by both Jones and Evans in their careers, might deserve the title of hardest puncher. A Reddit forum user commented,
Evans may say Jon was one of his hardest hits taken… Rashad got him right on the button.
Legacy of a Rivalry and Its Influence on MMA’s Evolution
The decision by coach Greg Jackson to back Jon Jones over Rashad Evans arguably marked a turning point for MMA’s competitive landscape. Jackson’s choice influenced not only the trajectories of these middleweight legends but also reflected the allegiances and politics behind-the-scenes of fighter camps.
The rivalry between Evans and Jones serves as a reminder of how personal conflicts can deeply affect athletes, even amid professional success and fame. Their story is emblematic of the intense competition and emotional complexity behind UFC’s high-stakes world.
Though Evans and Jones have both retired from active competition, their rivalry remains widely discussed among fans and experts alike, highlighting the enduring impact of their relationship on the sport’s history. With both men now distanced from the octagon, observers are left contemplating how their feud shaped the light heavyweight division and MMA at large.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. The hearing showed that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites, which are found in Tadalafil, a drug for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted using.
Q. What has Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. He was found to have Turinabol, a performance-enhancing drug, in his system. Because of this, Jones faced a temporary suspension.