John Jones cleared up the air after sparking a bit of controversy with comments about his fellow UFC champion Islam Makhachev.
Jones is currently filming a Russian reality television show with UFC star Nate Diaz. In a recent clip of the show, Jones was able to hear Makhachev say “still new to the sport.”
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Jones revealed he had made a statement on the show. He explained that he was only trying to clarify what Diaz actually said to the Russian speaker. However, he also doubled, stating that if anyone could question Makhachev’s qualifications, it was him.
John Jones explains his recent comments on Islamist Makachev.
“I feel the comments that have upset a lot of Islam fans, but what I was really trying to do is translate Nate for the Russians,” John Jones, pic.twitter.com/6h3ozihm4l
– Red Corner MMA (@redcorner_mma) May 20, 2025
“I feel the comments that have upset a lot of Islam fans, but what I was really trying to do is translate Nate for the Russians,” Jones said.
“At the same time, I say Islam is a promising fighter, and I can say that,” Jones added. “I can’t say that. I can.”
Jones is considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. He is the lightest heavyweight we’ve seen in the sport and now reigns as the UFC heavyweight champion. However, he has been the subject of some criticism and has yet to defend the belt against interim champion Tom Aspinel.
Makhachev, meanwhile, is the UFC’s No. 1 pound fighter for pounds. He won that station with an impressive reign as a lightweight champion. However, he recently announced plans to move out of his lightweight belt and move to welterweight. He is expected to challenge Jack Della Madarena in his next fight.
What do you think of this statement from John Jones?
