Jon Jones, a fighter celebrated for facing numerous former champions during his career, reignited talks of a major showdown by calling out Brock Lesnar after UFC 214 in Anaheim, California. This UFC callout, which occurred in 2017 just after Jones defeated Daniel Cormier, aimed to stir excitement for what could have been a historic clash between two of the sport’s biggest figures.
Jones took the microphone following his contentious win over Cormier and shifted the spotlight toward Lesnar, challenging the former heavyweight champion directly to a fight.
Brock Lesnar, if you want to know what it feels like to get your a– kicked by a guy who weighs 40 pounds less than you, meet me in the Octagon.
—Jon Jones, UFC Fighter
Brock Lesnar Quickly Responds with a Warning
Brock Lesnar had made a controversial return to UFC competition at UFC 200 the year before, defeating Mark Hunt before his win was overturned due to a positive test for a banned substance. Within minutes of Jones’ callout, Lesnar fired back through an Associated Press interview, cautioning the light heavyweight champion against underestimating him.
Be careful what you wish for, young man.
—Brock Lesnar, Former UFC Heavyweight Champion
Dana White Addresses Prospects of a Jones-Lesnar Fight
The UFC president, Dana White, was asked during the post-fight press conference at UFC 214 about the possibility of Jones and Lesnar facing each other. While acknowledging Lesnar’s public response, White expressed skepticism about the fight happening soon, citing the lengthy process Lesnar would need to undergo to return to competition under USADA regulations.
I don’t know… Listen, Lesnar would take six months for him to even go through USADA to fight. So, it’s fun to talk about but the reality of it happening anytime soon is not a reality.
—Dana White, UFC President
Lesnar later appeared at UFC 226, engaging in a tense moment with Daniel Cormier inside the Octagon, yet he has not competed since UFC 200, leaving fans to wonder if a super fight with Jones will ever materialize.
Significance and What Lies Ahead
The exchange between Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar spotlighted the desire from both competitors and fans for a crossover bout that blends skill with star power. However, regulatory hurdles and Lesnar’s prolonged absence from the sport complicate the chances of this fight entering reality anytime soon. As Jones continues his career, the potential matchup remains a tantalizing prospect that mixed martial arts enthusiasts watch with anticipation, symbolizing a clash between two very different but equally dominant fighters in UFC history.