According to recent light-heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes, a rematch between himself and Jon Jones was being discussed for later this year, before the coronavirus pandemic put those talks on hold for the time being.
““Yes, we were talking early fall,” Reyes confirmed to ESPN. “We started moving along, moving along, and then [COVID-19]. And that was it.”
Reyes came very close to upsetting Jones in their first encounter earlier this year, but ultimately lost out by unanimous decision and is now eager to fight him again as soon as possible.
“What I did in our fight, what happened, it was a big event. A lot of people talked about it for a long time. They’re still talking about it. I think not just myself, but the people kind of feel cheated with that fight. They want to see it again, see me perform like I did once again. A lot of people think that belt is mine. I agree. So let’s get it.”
As if the coronavirus situation wasn’t enough of a stumbling block to the rematch taking place any time soon, Jones was also recently arrested and charged with DWI among other infractions, but though at first it seemed that may put his title at risk, he has since reached a plea deal that’s seen him being handed down lenient punishments including a brief period of house arrest.
There’s no indication that the UFC intends to punish Jones and Reyes is hoping that remains the case, though he certainly wasn’t impressed by his actions.
“Personally, I hope he doesn’t get suspended, because I really need to rematch him for myself,” Reyes said. “I’ve always respected Jon as a fighter. I’ve always respected him in the Octagon, but outside the Octagon, it’s the same crap he’s been doing before that disappointed me when I was a fan of him.
“I was a fan of him, he did that and it disappointed me and made me not a fan, when he hit that pregnant lady. Now he’s doing the same thing.”
