Allanna Jones Ready to Bounce Back from Fallon Fox Loss to Take Out Holly Holm

To say the last couple months have been different than her previous year in MMA would be an understatement for Allanna “Hands of Stone” Jones.

Coming off her March 2 win over Kelsey De Santis at CFA 10, Jones’ normal prep for her next fight was interrupted when it was discovered that her upcoming opponent, Fallon Fox, was transgendered and a media storm ensued.

“It was a little weird and you’ll never get used to something like that happening,” said Jones about the mass attention her May 24 bout against Fox received.

Unfortunately for Jones, she lost the fight via third round submission, but because of the exposure she got, she feels that ultimately she ended up moving forward rather than backwards.

“I was not very happy with my performance in that fight,” said Jones. “I felt I could have done a lot better. After watching it and seeing the mistakes that I made, we’ve been working on it in the gym and changing some things.

“My last fight had a lot of exposure to it and despite the loss; it still had a good outcome. Right now I feel good about everything and I’m just excited about this fight coming up.”

When asked if all the distractions surrounding her bout with Fox could have played a role in her loss, Jones told MMAWeekly.com, “It could have been one reason, but honestly, I didn’t bring my A-game to the fight.”

Jones’ upcoming bout in Legacy FC this Friday night in Houston won’t be any easier as she takes on highly-regarded former world boxing champion Holly “Preacher’s Daughter” Holm in a feature bout live on AXS TV.

“I feel it’s a great opportunity,” said Jones. “Holly has a great background in fighting. It’s definitely going to be a tough fight for me, but I’m going to endure whatever I have to endure to get the win.

“I like to strike, kickbox, and I’m sure she has good striking and movement, so the goal is to try to get her to the ground and not have to fight her standing if I don’t have to. If it ends up being an all stand-up fight, I’ll be prepared for that as well.”

As much exposure as Jones got from her fight with Fox, she feels that win over Holm could do even more for her career and help set up for more high profile fights in the future.

“A win over (Holm) would be huge for my career and will help me get closer to the top and get other doors to open and at the same time get me top-name opponents,” said Jones. “I feel like this fight I have a lot to gain, that’s why I’ve taken the fight.

“I don’t see any easy fights coming my way. I think all of my fights are going to be tough and I’m okay with that. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, so I’m always training hard and preparing for fights like this.”