Jon Jones shares laugh with Quinton Jackson at post-fight presser

History has provided countless examples of how two individuals slugging it out can solve a personal problem between the two. Mixed Martial Arts is no different with intense rivalries often crumbling into shared sportsmanship and mutual respect after the actual fight has concluded. In certain cases the conflict may be manufactured but in others it is very, very real.

The latest example of this being the case took place last weekend at UFC 135 when light heavyweight champion Jon Jones successfully defended his belt against former title-holder Quinton Jackson. Though they may have feuded with each other during the build up to the bout with Jackson accusing Jones of spying on his camp being a prime example, in the end it appears they may have settled their differences and come away with a mutual admiration of each other.

“Rampage” Says He Has No Respect for Jones

“Jones, what the hell (were) you doing in the beginning of the first round,” Jackson asked with a smile on his face during a post-event press conference. “I thought you were trying to suck my toes or something.”

Among the people laughing from the query was Jones, who chuckled while responding, “I didn’t want to get hit with one of your bombs, man! I know you hit haaard. So I was like, ‘Lemme stay low.’ It was kind of like James Toney vs. Randy Couture how Randy shot in low. I was like, ‘This is our James Toney. I’m not about to get left hooked.’”

“And I was like, ‘What the hell is this kid doing,” Jackson chipped in. “I tried to knock his head off a couple of times.”

“Speaking of funk, I thought I could smell your feet,” Jones playfully retorted.

“Yeah, you had better watch out for that left foot. It’s got that fungus on there. I don’t know where it came from,” said Jackson with the entire room still laughing from the exchange.

“Do not hit me with that gangrene,” Jones exclaimed.

“Were you surprised by my wrestling though,” the Memphis native inquired.

“It wasn’t bad. I shot one shot and you stuffed me nice. I was like whoa,” Jones answered.

“That’s what she said,” Jackson quickly replied in homage to Michael Scott from The Office.

It’s impossible to tell if Jones and Jackson will ever become more than simply professional acquaintances but if they do, at least based on the friendly-fallout from UFC 135, fans may want to keep a lookout for them opening for Joe Rogan’s act shortly thereafter.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC