Jon Jones 'felt really bad' seeing former teammate, opponent Rashad Evans lose

Jon Jones has a long and at times strenuous relationship with Rashad Evans. However, “Bones” made is clear he took no bliss from seeing Evans knocked out cold by Glover Teixeira at UFC on FOX 19.

Evans (19-5-1 MMA, 14-5-1 UFC) and Jones (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) have a long history that dates back to being teammates at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., and extends to a heated grudge match as opponents at UFC 145 in April 2012. Jones won that fight by decision, and since then the relationship has been rocky.

Though both men have experienced a lot since their first fight, Jones made it clear he took zero enjoyment from seeing Evans suffer his third loss in five fights since their meeting, this one by brutal first-round knockout at the hands of Teixeira (25-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in Saturday’s FOX-televised headliner at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

In fact, Jones wrote on social media that he felt quite the opposite of enjoyment.

Evans was emotional after the loss, and understandable so. The former UFC champ has had a hard fall from grace in recent years, from disappointing losses to significant injuries. The fight with Teixeira was his chance to become relevant to the title picture once more, but the Brazilian put an end to that less than two minutes into the contest when a massive series of bombs put Evans to sleep.

Whether the loss marked the end for “Suga” remains to be seen. Regardless of his choices going forward, though, Jones made sure he lent support to his former friend, teammate and opponent.

Brian Stann, an analyst for FOX that’s a colleague of Evans, as well as a former training partner, said on UFC on FOX 19’s post-fight show that “fighting does not define Rashad Evans.”

Jones agreed in a secondary message, encouraging Evans to “stay in the race” after the crushing defeat.

Stan's absolutely right, keep your head up Evans. In my eyes you'll always be a legend of the sport, you're a great champion and always will be. Our fight records aren't what defines us, it's about the journey we are courageous enough to be on. Stay in the race my brother. ????

A video posted by Jon Bones Jones (@jonnybones) on Apr 17, 2016 at 12:15am PDT

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