Whenever fans discuss the G.O.A.T. in UFC, one name will surely pop up, Jon Jones. The former light heavyweight champion has earned a lot of accolades inside the Octagon. While he reigned as the UFC champion, he was considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. However, the ‘Bones’ once found himself in an awkward position when he fell victim to a legendary Muay Thai coach’s prank.
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In ‘Beyond The Cage’ podcast episode 27, the hosts Gabe Benchimol & Jamie Mancini welcomed the UFC bantamweight fighter, Aiemann Zahabi. The trio talked about Tristar Gym’s early days, Zahabi’s breaks between his fights, and Quebec’s ban on MMA. Besides, the bantamweight fighter narrated a funny incident involving Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.
Aiemann Zahabi, similarly, discussed the famous Tristar Gym at length. Not only his elder brother manages the popular gym in Quebec, but the gym has also produced notable fighters. Some of the names include Robert Whittaker, Kevin Lee, Anthony Smith, and Georges St-Pierre, who also works as an instructor there.
Master Peter’s prank on Jon Jones
Likewise, Zahabi shared an interesting anecdote related to the gym and a younger version of Jon Jones. Zahabi recalled the incident and mentioned that Jones was just a regular guy and was yet to attain star status. Zahabi continued and disclosed that Jones came to the Tristar Gym with a bunch of guys who were known in the MMA.
In addition, Zahabi also revealed that Master Peter had a reputation as a prankster. Further, he used to joke around and pull pranks whenever anyone would come to visit the gym. Zahabi also pointed out that it was a norm in Thai culture, as both the trainers and their coaches had a great sense of humor.
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The Canadian fighter said, “He [Jon Jones] walks in the door, and uh, obviously, he can tell that Master Peter is a coach. So he goes up to master Peter. He bows, and he goes to shake Master Peter’s hand. Then Master Peter fakes the shake and slaps him right across his face… He goes, ‘You see, I’m so smart I don’t care how big you are. You’re stupid’.”
The ‘Tristar Gym’ representative continued and mentioned that everyone present there had a good laugh about the incident, including Jones. Further, he added that Jon Jones was a sweetheart and understood this gym culture. However, the Canadian fighter pointed out that while Master Peter slapped Jones pretty hard, Jones thought it was hilarious.
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What do you think of this Jon Jones anecdote? Let us know in the comments below.
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