MMA is known for the drama it brings, not just inside the Octagon, but also outside it. With superstar fighters, there are often a lot of discussions about their private lives as well. As such, one of the biggest examples of this happens to be Jon Jones.
Recently, ahead of his UFC 285 fight, a lot was made of Jones and Valentina Shevchenko being on the same fight card. Previously, both of them were on the same fight card back in UFC 247 as well. Thus, it is well known by now that they are both good friends and have mutual respect as well. However, many speculate that there is more to their ‘friendship’ than meets the eye.
According to Chael Sonnen on a podcast with Andrew Schulz, Jones could quite possibly be in a love triangle with Valentina Shevchenko and Holly Holm. Notably, Sonnen pointed out how defensive The Bullet was of Jones despite his failed drug tests. Additionally, with what Sonnen further added about Holm, Schulz then asks, “Maybe Jon Jones was like, in an intimate relationship, perhaps with Holly Holm? And then Bullet Shevchenko came in and stole Jon Jones.”
Further, he adds, “So Holly would fight the Bullet and Holly would want to get revenge on the girl that stole her man.” In response to this, Chael adds more fuel to the fire by saying, “And the Bullet who lives here got assigned to the March 4th card which Jon Jones headline. And they are in the same hotel right now.”
Chael Sonnen’s comments and Jon Jones dating rumors
Whilst the whole ordeal seems to be a bit far-fetched, even for Uncle Chael, he truly believes in the story. As per the former UFC and Bellator star, the fighters could and should have come out with the truth by now. If Jon, Holly, and Valentina were to admit this, they could generate a lot of attention.
“But imagine that happened and they came out and they told the world instead of hiding behind it. Imagine the interest you could possibly have,” says Sonnen. As for Jones and Holly Holm, they have trained under the same coach Greg Jackson for some time. Notably, they have been known to be good friends and have often voiced their support for one another before their fights.
Whilst many suspect that Chael is reaching, he has been adamant with his story. Starting off during his interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Chael got the rumor mill running. Since then, Chael has continued the trend in every single podcast he has been to. As such, either Sonnen knows something most people don’t or he is simply trying to cook up a new controversy.
What have Jon and Holly Holm said about each other?
Although many may think that Jon and Holly gush over each other, it is simply not the case. Contrary to what Sonnen says, both fighters have been respectful and supportive of each other in the most civil way possible. As such, ahead of his UFC 239, Jones showed immense gratitude to Holly, who he sees as his sister.
Similarly, Holmes has said nothing but great things about Jones as well. Following Jones’ dominant victory at UFC 285, Holm stated that Jones was LeBron James and Tom Brady of MMA. Even on previous occasions, both have spoken highly of each other in a very formal way. As for their personal lives, both have been with their long-time partners, with Holm being married to Jeff Kirkpatrick and Jones being engaged to Jessie Moses.
Thus, it would seem that fans and Chael have been making something out of nothing, seemingly trying to stir up the pot. However, what do you believe? Are Jones and Holm just good friends or is there more to the tale of these UFC stars? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
