Two former UFC adversaries, Jon Jones and Rampage Jackson, shared an amusing moment behind the scenes during the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event.
Following Jon Jones’s achievement as the youngest competitor to claim a UFC championship, his initial defense of the light heavyweight title was against an MMA icon.
Jones and ex-UFC light heavyweight titleholder Rampage Jackson were the main event at UFC 135 in Denver, Colorado. This occasion signified Jackson’s re-entry into a UFC light heavyweight championship bout, having previously bested two of Jones’ past opponents, Lyoto Machida and Matt Hamill, to earn the opportunity.
The period leading up to the Jones versus Jackson confrontation was energetic and intense. Jackson alleged that Jones had planted an informant within his training facility, whereas Jones frequently ridiculed Jackson’s apparent lack of earnestness concerning his preparation and combat approach.
From the commencement of the bout, Jones dominated entirely. Jones secured a submission victory over Jackson in the middle of the fourth round, having overwhelmed the ex-UFC champion with strikes both standing and on the mat.
The relationship between Jones and Jackson did not immediately improve after UFC 135, with Jackson consistently asserting that Jones was a perpetual rule-breaker during fights. Nevertheless, despite their turbulent history, Jones and Jackson met in person and seemed to resolve their animosity behind the scenes at the Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano event.
VIEW: Jon Jones offers ‘apology’ to Rampage Jackson during amusing encounter
Observe Jones and Jackson’s backstage reunion below.
Jon Jones apologized to Rampage Jackson for cheating after 16 years of beefing 😭
“Yeah I cheat. I poke you in the eyes, kick you in the balls, stomp the knees. My bad, I’m sorry.” pic.twitter.com/CzjkYGKrMB
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) May 17, 2026
Jones concluded his MMA career last year following a contentious contractual disagreement with the UFC regarding a fight against Tom Aspinall. The proposed match never materialized, and Jones continues to disagree with UFC CEO Dana White concerning the veteran executive’s choice to omit him from the forthcoming White House event roster.
Jackson withdrew from MMA competition subsequent to a defeat by Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 237 in 2019. Post-fighting, Jackson has established a successful career as the presenter of the JAXXON Podcast and as a live streaming personality.
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