Jon Jones and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson shared one of the defining light heavyweight fights of the early 2010s at UFC 135 in September 2011.
It was Jones’ first title defence after taking the belt from Mauricio Shogun. He submitted Jackson after a heated build-up that carried a real edge.
Years later, ‘Rampage’ had criticised some of Jones’ tactics. Yet when they met backstage at MVP’s Netflix card, the old tension appeared to have faded.
Jon Jones apologises to Rampage Jackson backstage
Jackson and Jones ran into each other backstage at the Rousey vs Carano event, with the exchange captured during Jackson’s livestream.
The conversation quickly became light-hearted. The former UFC two-weight champion then said sorry for his antics from their fight nearly 15 years ago, while also making a blunt admission.
“Yeah, I cheated. I poke you in the eyes, kick you in the b—, stomp the knees. My bad,” Jones said.
Jackson laughed and replied: “What happens in the cage, stays in the cage.”
Jon Jones’ legacy remains split by controversy
The exchange also pointed back to the wider debate around Jones. His antics, inside and outside the cage, have always divided opinion on his legacy.
Some fans argue he cannot be considered the MMA GOAT because of those controversies, even with one of the sport’s most remarkable records.
That argument exists alongside an obvious truth: Jones became a two-weight UFC champion and beat several legends across a dominant, historic career.
His greatness is not difficult to measure, but it is difficult to separate from the controversy.
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