The UFC legend Jon Jones says hit him harder than anyone else

‘Bones’ has never been knocked to the canvas in his 17-year career as an MMA fighter.

That does not mean he has not taken a few heavy hits along the way.

While talking with Adin Ross back in December 2024, Jones looked back on the hardest shot he has ever taken.

“The hardest punch I ever received was from a guy named ‘Suga’ Rashad Evans,” he told the streamer.

“He caught me with an overhand right, the same exact punch he hit Chuck Liddell with, and dropped him. He caught me with that same punch.

“It wasn’t that he hit me so hard, it was the speed of the punch. It was almost like, you can tighten up, or you can just let your arm be loose and let it swing. It’s kind of like an overhand slap, bro. He hit me so fast, and I had no clue what it was.

“He just caught me right at the edge of my chin, and I remember my feet were to a point where I couldn’t control my legs. Then I refocused, and I was able to stand again, but bro that was by far the fastest I’ve ever been hit.

“Thank God I didn’t become unconscious because I probably should have been.”

Despite being hit by Evans with arguably the hardest shots of his career, Jones still secured a decisive unanimous decision victory over ‘Suga’.

Jon Jones eyes return for White House event

Jones has been out of action since his knockout win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024.

The plan was for the 39-year-old to face Tom Aspinall this year to unify the heavyweight division.

Jones had agreed to a $30 million deal for the fight but later withdrew, which did not sit well with Dana White.

He gave up his heavyweight title and stepped away from MMA for a brief period in June before reconsidering his decision.

The change of heart came after news broke that the UFC would be hosting an event at the White House next year. Now, Jones is keen to be part of the card set for June 14, though White has publicly dismissed that possibility multiple times.

The UFC CEO has stated he cannot count on Jones after he pulled out of the Aspinall fight. Nothing has been finalised yet, and it remains to be seen whether Jones can regain trust before preparations begin for the White House card.