Jon Jones hits back at former opponent Dominick Reyes: 'You didn't try hard enough'

Jon Jones has some advice for Dominick Reyes: “Accept defeat and move on with life.”

In 2020, Jones defeated Reyes by controversial decision in the main event of UFC 247 to retain his then-light heavyweight title. The result remains one of the most controversial in UFC championship history, as many believed Reyes did enough to defeat Jones that night in Houston. Four years later, Reyes still believes he was the rightful winner and explained why: MMA Hour Following his win over Dustin Jacoby at UFC Louisville.

“He's going to forever know that he lost to me,” Reyes said. “Maybe one day he'll understand that. It's not a belief, it's a fact.” [that I beat him]That’s the difference.”

On Tuesday, Jones disputed this, firing back on Twitter.

“What a reputation it has had, it has almost been defeated. [Jon] “Jones got so overconfident that he literally wasn't winning any more games,” Jones said.

After responding to a fan who let him know that Reyes beat Jacoby at UFC Louisville, saying he didn't watch the fight and calling it a “pleasant surprise,” the current UFC heavyweight champion then offered some advice to his opponent, who last defended his 205-pound championship before relinquishing it to move up a weight class.

“[Dominick]”When you look back at our game, I want you to never question me or the officials,” Jones said. “I want you to look at your mind, your perseverance. You weren't good enough. The sooner you accept that, the better athlete you'll be.”

Jones has not competed since defeating Ciryl Gane by submission at UFC 285 in March 2023 to win the vacant heavyweight title.

For Reyes, the win over Jacoby was his first in 1,695 days, having most recently come by knockout over former middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC Boston in October 2019.