Jon Jones Hasn't Been Knocked Out Because 'No One's Been Smart Enough to Do It'

Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (24-1) is set to defend his title on July 6 at UFC 239 in Las Vegas. Jones won the vacant strap in December 2018 by defeating now retired mixed martial artist Alexander Gustafsson and made his first defense in March by besting Anthony Smith.

For his third fight in six months, "Bones" will face Thiago Santos (21-6), a Brazilian standout with serious knockout power. Jones spoke to the media today in Los Angeles and explained why he keeps fighting and is not fatigued by quick turnaround matches.

"I'm more grateful than ever to be the UFC light heavyweight champion," said Jones. "It's a special job to have and I just want to do right by it. I just feel like there's not many things you can do in life to make this type of income. So, if my body's gonna hold up, why not just ride until the wheels fall off. So, I'm here to just continue dominating and collecting for my family's future."

Santos is feared for his heavy hands and has finished most of his recent opponents via TKO. With Santos now facing Jones, the question of how Jones' chin will fair against the fist of "Marreta" has begun to arise. The champion contends that no one has yet to find a way to land such an offense against him.

"Historically, it hasn't been the way, because no one's been able to do it. I feel like my fiance has enough power to knock me out if I put my hands behind my back and let her hit me in the chin. It's not about having power, it's about being smart enough to land the shot, and thus far no one's been smart enough to do it. So, I try not to get intimidated by muscles," said Jones.