What’s it like to experience a kick from the “baddest dude” on the planet, Jon Jones? It’s a question that’s worth asking his toughest opponents, like Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier, who have faced his lethal kicks in the Octagon. It is safe to say that the heavyweight champ’s methodical and slick shin and oblique kicks are powerful enough to earn the respect of even the scariest fighters. Former interim 185lbs title challenger Yoel Romero, once commented on the Jones’ kicks, saying, “He has tough legs and kicks hard. Yes, yes. And when you kick him, his legs are hard, strong.”
‘Soldier of God’ had previously trained with Jones at Jackson Wink MMA some years back. This is where he must have witnessed Jones’ kicking practice, which left him impressed. Now, imagine what it would feel like for an ordinary person—someone who’s never been in a fight—to experience the New Mexican’s kick. Well, that happened—and it was consensual. You might be wondering, who would be brave (or foolish) enough to try it? None other than renowned comedian Jim Norton, former host of the morning radio show ‘Opie and Anthony’ (1995-2014).
In the winter of 2011, Jones arrived in New York City to promote his highly anticipated title fight against Lyoto Machida at UFC 140. During his visit, ahead of his second title defense, ‘Bones’ made an appearance on a popular morning radio show. As the show went on, Jim Norton offered him a challenge: Either try a submission or give him a strike. True to form, Jones chose the kick. Though it may have seemed like a slow kick for an MMA fighter, it was too much for a comedian. The impact was so intense that even fans tuning in could feel it.
This incident, long forgotten by many, recently resurfaced when Norton, now a Netflix star, recently sat down with Dan Soder and opened up about the experience with Jon Jones. Norton revealed the pain he endured, saying, “That hurts me so much, I almost vomited. I remember I had the urge to s—, had the urge to throw up, and it set me into a little bit of shock. He put his shin in my thigh, and it was fight week too. It was bad, but he also choked me. I remember going to the bathroom and thinking, ‘I think I’m gonna pass out.’”
The Albuquerque native’s legs have long been a lethal weapon, systematically dismantling nearly every opponent he has faced. However, did you know that his legs were once a subject of criticism early in his career? Even as recently as 2023, when Jon Jones was preparing for a transition to heavyweight, the topic resurfaced. After posting a training video on social media, fans mocked his calves, joking that he had been “skipping leg day.”
Interestingly, before becoming an MMA icon, Jones briefly pursued a football career in college. Though his football aspirations never materialized due to his “chicken legs,” it ironically led to the nickname that would define him—“Bones.” Now, as Jon Jones moves toward the final chapter of his legendary career, his upcoming fight against interim champion Tom Aspinall remains shrouded in mystery. Let’s check out the latest updates on that!
What’s the latest update on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall?
The UFC heavyweight division is currently in a bit of turmoil, with reigning champion Jon Jones’ inactivity and interim champion Tom Aspinall holding the belt for over 500 days. This prolonged uncertainty has disrupted the division. ‘Bones’, reluctant to face the younger and rising star Tom Aspinall, has faced criticism for allegedly “ducking” the challenger, who has quickly made a name for himself in the promotion. Others speculate that the reigning heavyweight champ, wanting this to be his final fight, is asking for an exorbitant sum, causing hesitation from the UFC.
Despite the ongoing silence, Dana White & Co. is confident that the fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is “100%” going to happen. However, there has been no official update, as it has been over four months since ‘Bones’ defended his heavyweight title. The clock is ticking, and skepticism is growing among fans about whether the fight will ever materialize.
So, is Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall happening? UFC insider Chael Sonnen has some insight. According to ‘The Bad Guy’, there is a “verbal agreement,” which he called “inside information.” This week, Sonnen shared on Submission Radio, “They got a deal done with Jon Jones and Aspinall, at least verbally, the night before — this is inside information, you will not have heard this story anywhere else — they got a deal done verbally the night before Pereira vs. Ankalaev.”
What’s your take on Jon Jones’ future? Do you believe he’ll defend his title one last time against Tom Aspinall or is retirement on the horizon? If they do clash, do you think Aspinall’s explosive power can overcome ‘Bones’ experience and stamina? Let me know your thoughts below!
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