Dominick Reyes has highlighted what he believes to be Jon Jones biggest weakness, and says he intends to exploit it when the two face off at UFC 247.
Jones will defend his UFC light heavyweight title for the third time when he faces Reyes, having dispatched Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos in 2019.
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Weakness
But Reyes thinks he’ll be the man to stop Jones and strip him of his title, and has highlighted a weakness in the champion’s game that he intends to target.
Speaking at an athlete panel event (via MMA Junkie), Reyes said: “It’s no secret that Jon isn’t the best boxer in the UFC,”
“He’s a great kickboxer.”
“He has great range.”
“He uses his kicks very well, but he’s not the best boxer.”
“I intend to exploit that.”
Reyes also believes he’s one of the best boxers in the division, and thinks it’s this that will tip the balance when the pair meet in Houston.
“I think my boxing is the probably the best in the division,” Reyes continued.
“With footwork and fearlessness, I’ll get in there and put these hands on him.”
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‘Tremendous Left Hand’
Jones on the other hand doesn’t believe boxing alone will be enough.
While acknowledging the skills of his counterpart, ‘Bones’ says there’ll be more to the fight than just boxing, and plans to give his adversary more to think about than just his fists.
“Have you seen his mitt work?” Jones said.
“He has a tremendous left hand.”
“I know he’s going to work hard on his right hand, especially because I’ve brought it up so much.”
“My job is not to go out there and get in a boxing match.”
“My job is to be the better mixed martial arts fighter.”
“Like I said, I’m very aware that his best counters come in boxing combinations.”
“I’m not going to give him what he wants.”
“It’s going to be a mixed martial arts fight.”
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Strategy
The pair have been engaged in a war of words for some time.
And they’ll put their money where their mouths are when they meet at the Toyota Center on February 8.
Reyes aims to use his fists to do most of the talking, while Jones insists the fight will be more than just a boxing match.
But whose strategy will prevail when the two finally meet in the Octagon?
And could we see a new UFC light heavyweight champion?
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Dominick Reyes and Jon Jones)