The combat sports world is no stranger to the world of politics, with many fighters and fight personalities being public with their views. Muhammad Ali famously took a stand against the government at his refusal to draft in the Vietnam war. Mike Tyson spoke in favor of POTUS Donald Trump back in 2016, while UFC president Dana White went all-guns-blazing in his endorsement of Trump for the 2024 elections. Not just White or Tyson, but personalities like Justin Gaethje, Henry Cejudo, Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and many others have actively endorsed Donald Trump. However, there is one prominent fighter on the UFC who chooses to sit on the fence, and has found himself in the news for many reasons apart from his political stances – two-weight champion Jon Jones.

The heavyweight champion of the world has not made a single political post on his social media handle, either about the political landscape of the nation, or his preferred presidential candidate. While having a conversation with Geoffery Woo, Jon Jones was asked about his political stance, to which the UFC champ stated that its really better for him and his family to stay away from the political discourse as much as possible, “I feel like I don’t really get into politics. However, I do feel that, as a public figure and a world champion, there is an obligation to stand for good. I just try to stand for good in the way that I live, the way I treat people, and how I don’t judge or hold prejudices,” said Jones.

Jon Jones emphasized that he has no interest in either choosing sides or standing anywhere in the social construct of the political landscape. He further added that as a responsible citizen of this country, it is his duty to stay neutral and treat everyone with love and respect, “I love everyone, regardless of race or culture. I have friends who are Muslim, and friends from different races and with different political beliefs. I try to remain loving, neutral, and open-minded, allowing people to be who they are and showing complete love.”

He further added, “That’s my way of being an example to the world, promoting inclusion and acceptance. There is so much happening in the world, and my approach to changing it is by raising good kids—productive and loving citizens who will contribute positively to the world.” Unlike many big personalities from the combat sports world, Jon Jones is not shy to emphasize his neutrality. Perhaps one of the reasons for Jones’ continued success within the Octagon is his choice to stay away from political and ideological discourses. What Jones won’t shy away from is giving his opponents a piece of his mind, before his fights. It didn’t come as a surprise then, when Jon Jones went at Stipe Miocic for a certain choice of words directed his way by the former heavyweight champion.

The classic exchange between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones

Jon Jones is about to defend his heavyweight belt against Stipe Miocic at the UFC 309 and even their rivalry is being forged at Miocic’s recent comments which appeared to get under the skin of the heavyweight champ. What did the former heavyweight champion say that irked ‘Bones’ so much? In a training footage on UFC 309 countdown, an all hyped up Miocic said, “Bring it on, b*tch.”

In response, the heavyweight championtook to X to raise his concern, “Hiring black fighters to mimic me will not help you, Stipe. And you shouldn’t have called me a bitch, the disrespect wasn’t necessary. Let’s play.” For the most part, the rivalry between the UFC legends has been respectful without any use of harsh words but this was the firs sleight from Miocic that got Jones’s attention.

Stipe Miocic later apologized for his actions on ‘The Ariel Helwani Show’, “Oh yeah. He was just talking to me and I was talking to him. Bring it on. I don’t know. I didn’t try to hurt his feelings. I mean, I was just fired up. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to disrespect him in any way. It was just the moment, the heat of the moment. I mean, sorry. I don’t know.” We are just days away from witnessing the clash between the clash of the legends.

What do you think of Jon Jones’ stance on staying neutral in the political discourse? Do you think him staying away from discourse helps him perform better as a fighter? How will he fare against Stipe Miocic going into UFC 309? Let us know in the comments below.