Back in 2013, Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson engaged in one of the best light heavyweight title fights of all time, and really, one of the best fight ever period. For five, frenzied rounds, the American champion and Swedish challenger pelted each other with heavy artillery, forcing momentum swing after momentum swing after momentum swing.
After their five round war, which Jones won by decision, the pair ended up posing for a classic photo together. It was clear that they earned each other’s respect.
Today, that respect seems to be have fizzled out.
Shortly after his impressive KO of Glover Teixeira, Gustafsson told the media that, while he believes Jones is the best fighter in the division, he does not like his personality, and does not consider him a champion. These comments have now reached the ever-volatile Jones, and he does not seem to like them.
Of course you are rooting for Daniel Gus, you might as well pray for him while you’re at it.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
And here’s a little FYI, you didn’t lose against DC and I because of your cardio, it was because your lack of heart.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
I’m not a champion because you don’t like my personality? Fuck you lol
advertisement – continue reading below— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
“Jon Jones is a bad person” you sound like a fucking dork. Congrats on the engagement though, beautiful woman
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
Maybe good guys don’t always finish last.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
I’m not a champion cuz I’m a bad person? you’re not a champion because you don’t win championship fights.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
Eventually, this barrage of Tweets prompted a response from Gustafsson, who suggested his razor thin losses to Jones and Daniel Cormier were not due to his own lack of heart, but a lack of steroid testing.
No my friend, against you it was because of the absence of @usantidoping
— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) June 1, 2017
Lol keep telling yourself that my son https://t.co/Iv0HoAJss5
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
I root for @dc_mma but I want u to win, and after the way I beat u, I promise I will pray for you. Happy now?
— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) June 1, 2017
Is it me or does this shit make zero sense? https://t.co/LXakpJnB2w
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
Whatever Alex root for us both I guess.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
Next time if you don’t have anything nice to say, you know the rest. I’m done with you for now
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2017
Who do you think wins a rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/1/2017.