Just because Jon Jones isn't able to compete right now doesn't mean he can't hear all the smack that his constituents are talking.
He made that clear on Twitter Wednesday night when he unleashed a brutal series of tweets directed at reigning light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and current top contender Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. Here are just a few of the choice cuts (warning: NSFW language):
Can't wait to get back and slap one of these light heavyweights, even on the sidelines I'm more relevant than anyone in that division.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 20, 2016
You boys know when we all retire you will just be known as one of my contenders, easy for y'all to talk that shit when daddy ain't home
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 20, 2016
And AJ you calling my out of the cage problems amazing is almost hysterical. Trying to shit on me doesn't make you look anymore like a saint
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 20, 2016
Jones' frustration stems from a series of interviews involving the UFC 206 main eventers that have seen both men tear into the lineal champ for his out-of-the-cage struggles.
Back in August, Cormier stated "it's time to stop coddling this kid, stop giving him things that he doesn't deserve" when discussing the topic of Jones receiving a title shot in his return. More recently, Cormier and Johnson told TSN's Michael Landsberg (via BJPenn.com) that Jones is no longer relevant to the sport, with Johnson adding, "nobody’s perfect, we’ve all had our problems outside the cage, but his are just amazing."
Of course, Johnson was referring to Jones' numerous out-of-the-cage issues over the last two years. In 2015, Jones tested positive for cocaine metabolites in an out-of-competition test. That was followed by Jones being stripped of the UFC light heavyweight title due to a hit-and-run incident. Earlier this year, he was arrested on probation violation charges stemming from another traffic incident where he was famously ticketed for drag racing. On top of all that, he is suspended from competition by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to a drug test being flagged for hydroxy-clomiphene ahead of his UFC 200 bout with Cormier.
Will Jones be able to turn those words into action anytime soon? That will depend on the outcome of two big fights.
As stated, Cormier and Johnson are set to compete at UFC 206 in December with the light heavyweight title on the line. Jones, meanwhile, is set to appear before the NSAC in November.
If Jones can avoid a lengthy suspension, he will most likely face the winner of that fight. If he can't? Well, he'd better look forward to having a lot more shade being thrown his way.
