Fourteen years ago today, a prominent UFC legend invested heavily in his training camp, spending a substantial sum, yet his efforts ultimately proved fruitless when he stepped into the octagon against Jon Jones.
Jon Jones is widely recognized as a top contender for the `greatest of all time` title in MMA, having established multiple records throughout his distinguished 30-fight career.
Excluding a controversial disqualification, Jones, hailing from Rochester, boasts an undefeated record in the sport. Many of the light heavyweight division`s most formidable fighters have challenged `Bones` and fallen short.
Among these challengers was a former champion who invested more than a million dollars into his preparation, only to face defeat.
Jon Jones Dominates Rampage Jackson at UFC 135, Starting a Historic Reign
September 24, 2011, marked UFC 135 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. This pay-per-view event featured a highly anticipated grudge match where Jon Jones defended his championship against Quinton `Rampage` Jackson.
This bout was Jones` inaugural defense following his victory over Mauricio `Shogun` Rua, which made him the youngest champion in UFC history. Jackson, a highly motivated former Pride star, was determined to swiftly end Jones` reign and invested a considerable amount into his UFC 135 training camp to maximize his chances.
Rampage Jackson expressed his strong determination for the fight, stating:
“For recent fights, it has been hard to work 100 percent, but no-one has needed to try to motivate me for this fight. I want my belt back.
Between me, my Wolf’s Lair team and the guys at the MusclePharm gym here in Denver, we’ve spent over $1 million on this camp.
You’ll see the best Rampage since I fought Wanderlei Silva (in December 2008).”
Despite the substantial financial investment, Jackson`s extensive preparations did little to halt Jones` complete domination during their fight.
Jones maintained absolute control throughout the contest, ultimately securing a submission victory over `Rampage` via a rear-naked choke just 74 seconds into the fourth round.
Although Jackson was the initial fighter unable to dethrone Jones, he certainly wasn`t the last. Jones, a strong contender for GOAT status, would go on to achieve a remarkable 12 successful title defenses within the promotion, including one in the heavyweight division.
Allegations of a `Spy` in Rampage Jackson’s Camp Against Jon Jones
The animosity between Jones and Jackson was palpable leading up to their bout, intensified by a serious accusation from Jackson`s team.
Prior to UFC 135, allegations surfaced claiming Jones had a mole within Jackson`s training camp. Although the reigning champion vigorously denied these accusations, they failed to assuage his rival`s suspicions.
Jackson remained convinced of the espionage, stating:
“I know what I know. Someone in his camp was spying on my camp. I don’t care. He could have a live feed to my gym 24-7 for all I give a damn.”
The controversy ignited after a fan alerted Jackson via social media about a potential spy. To verify the claim, `Rampage` deliberately spread news of a fabricated “injury” within his gym. Mere hours later, UFC matchmaker Joe Silva reached out to Jackson`s camp, inquiring about rumors of a problem.
When pressed for the source of the information, Silva revealed that he had received a phone call from Malki Kawa, Jon Jones’ manager.
