Watch Jon Jones First Interview Since UFC 151 Was Canceled

Jon Jones has finally broken cover and spoken candidly to Ariel Helwani about his decision to refuse a fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 151 and the backlash he received when the entire event was canceled as a result.

Key Quotes:

On his decision to turn down the short-notice fight with Sonnen:

“Chael Sonnen is a southpaw, has different takedowns, different subs, different ground and pound, he’s just a completely different warrior [compared to Dan Henderson]. Taking the fight [at short notice] would be ignorant.”

“The only guy I would’ve fought on short notice is Rashad Evans because his style is so similar to Dan Henderson’s.”

“I can’t put a multi-million dollar career and title on the line because someone is talking about my momma.”

On Dana White’s Angry Reaction To His Refusal:

“I felt like a piece of meat.”

“It’s good to know where I stand with Dana White, I don’t want a fake relationship with anybody.”

“I haven’t talked to Dana White, I’ll let him calm down then talk to him. He has his reasons to be upset but I think he has to realize that I have a reason too. I thought he would be more supportive. He thinks I’m scared of Sonnen? I’m not scared, it’s about being smart.”

On Other Fighter’s Negative Reaction To His Decision:

“My job is not to be popular among fighters, I could care less if any fighter liked me or not, my job is to show up, do my job and go back home.”

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.