Jon Jones Fight News: 'Bones' Sends Words Of Encouragement To Former Teammate Turned Rival Rashad Evans
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones sent some words of encouragement to his former teammate turned rival Rashad Evans.
Evans, who is also a one-time light heavyweight champion, experienced a stinging loss on Saturday night against veteran fighter Glover Teixeira at UFC on FOX 19 in Tampa, Florida. Teixeira finished Evans via first round TKO, in the latter's return fight since UFC 192 last October 2015.
After the fight, the 36-year old Evans admitted that he was "embarrassed and disappointed" with the loss, and even went as far as declaring that his fighting future is currently in the balance.
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"It's not easy but I think given some time and deciding what's best for me. Then I'll make the right decisions on what needs to change, but as of now it's not a clear decision I can say," Evans said during the post-fight press conference (as reported by MMA Fighting).
Evans began his early fighting career under famed trainer Greg Jackson, at the renowned Jackson-Winklejohn Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was training alongside the game's best fighters, including Jon Jones. Jones and Evans were long-time teammates and friends.
However, their personal relationship took a sour turn in 2012, when Jones expressed his intent to face Evans. The two exchanged verbal tirades for a while, before finally facing each other inside the Octagon at UFC 145 in April 2012. Jones won the fight via unanimous decision.
For his part, Evans has buried the hatchet with Jones, stating that the entire experience "taught him a lot." He also went on to declare that Jones was one of his favorite training partners.
Jones has seemingly put the rivalry with Evans to rest as well. Right after Evans' loss last weekend, "Bones" posted a short message on Instagram, bearing positive words for Evans. It was, however, deleted, soon after.
"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," an excerpt of Jones' post reads (taken by Bloody Elbow).
