Jon Jones Reacts to Anthony Smith Defeat, Contemplates Move to Heavyweight

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The final two bouts of UFC Fight Night 171 gave Jon Jones plenty to consider.

Jones, who defeated Anthony Smith at UFC 235, has developed a bit of a rivalry with “Lionheart” in recent months, as the two fighters have taken shots at one another on social media and in interviews. As Smith absorbed a brutal beating at the hands of Glover Teixeira in Wednesday’s headliner at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, the light heavyweight champion weighed in on the carnage. Smith ultimately fell to Teixeira via fifth-round technical knockout.

“Anthony Smith talking about outlasting me to become a world champion,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “Negro please.

“It seems like almost everyone who trash talk me during their fight week ends up losing,” he added. “These boys thinking about being the champ instead of focusing on what it takes to get there.”

Anthony Smith talking about outlasting me to become a world champion, Negro please

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 14, 2020

It seems like almost everyone who trash talk me during their fight week ends up losing. These boys thinking about being the champ instead of focusing on what it takes to get there. https://t.co/8LlrPgyHhf

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 14, 2020

Jones also took interest in Ovince St. Preux’s initial heavyweight foray in the co-main event. The former University of Tennessee linebacker had his moments, but he ultimately dropped a split decision against Ben Rothwell.

“Man, it was weird seeing OSP fight at heavyweight, made it seem so much more real for me,” Jones wrote. Especially knowing the fight was at 240 [pounds]. With a little more cardio he would’ve been [cherry]. I was visualizing myself as him that whole fight.”

Man it was weird seeing OSP fight at heavyweight, made it seem so much more real for me. Especially knowing he was at 240lbs. With a little more cardio, he would’ve been I was visualizing myself as him that whole fight

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 14, 2020

Jones defeated St. Preux in an interim light heavyweight championship tilt at UFC 197. “Bones” has long flirted with a transition to heavyweight but thus far has been content to try and extend his reign at 205 pounds.