Jon Jones Ends Shaquille O’Neal’s Fears With a Simple Apology After Reality Check from Mike Tyson and UFC Champ
Jon Jones, the legendary UFC fighter, has a reputation that precedes him. Ever since his debut at UFC 87 in 2008, Jones has dominated the Octagon, earning his place among the greatest fighters of all time. With only one loss in his 29-fight career, ‘Bones’ has not only cemented his status as a fan favorite but also instilled a level of fear in his opponents that is rarely seen. This fear extends beyond the cage—even reaching the towering 7’1″ NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal.
O’Neal recently shared an intriguing story about how Jones scared him during a Super Bowl event in 2020. But what was Jones’ reaction to this revelation? Let’s dive into the details.
A Surprising Encounter: Jon Jones and Shaquille O’Neal’s Super Bowl Scare
During an appearance on Henry Cejudo’s ‘Pound4Pound’ podcast, Shaquille O’Neal opened up about two instances where he was genuinely startled by another person—both times involving combat sports legends. The first was none other than UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, and the second was former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Shaq recounted the moments with a mix of humor and respect. “It’s only two times people have touched me, and I don’t want to use the word ‘scared’ but, when you turn around and see their face, you just turn it off. So, we were walking to the Super Bowl, and some motherfker hit me in the back as hard as hell. I turn around like, ‘Mother… Oh, what’s up Jon? How are you doing, my boy?’ And Tyson, the same way. I’m in the club in LA, a motherfker hit me right on top, and I say, ‘What’s up, motherfu… Oh, what’s up, Mike? How you doing?’”
The sheer size and stature of Shaq make these encounters all the more surprising, highlighting just how intimidating Jones and Tyson can be—even to someone as formidable as Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaq narrated, “It’s only 2 times people have touched me, I don’t want to use the word ‘scared’ but, when you turn around and see their face, you turn it off. So, we were walking to the Super Bowl, and some motherf**ker hit me in the back as hard as hell. I turn around like, “Mother… Oh, what’s up Jon? How are you doing, my boy?” And Tyson, the same way. I’m in the club in LA, a motherf**ker hit me right on top, and I say, “What’s up, motherfu… Oh, what’s up, Mike? How you doing?”
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Jon Jones Responds: A Simple Yet Powerful Apology
Years after this event, when a clip of Shaq’s interview resurfaced on social media, Jon Jones decided to address it in his own way. Taking to Instagram, Jones shared the footage on his IG story and added a short but heartfelt message: “Sorry @shaq,” accompanied by a laughing emoji and a praying hands emoji. This simple gesture from Jones was a powerful reminder of the respect and camaraderie that exists among athletes, even those who might initially seem intimidating.
The Tyson Factor: Dana White’s Take on Jones vs. Mike Tyson
While Shaq’s story was entertaining, it also sparked a broader discussion about the capabilities of these two heavyweight legends—Jon Jones and Mike Tyson. In an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, UFC President Dana White was asked to weigh in on a hypothetical match between Jones and Tyson. White, always candid, didn’t hesitate to give his opinion, even though it might have surprised some fans.
“A hundred percent, but Tyson doesn’t know the ground game. Tyson can’t grapple. Nobody loves Mike Tyson more than I do, believe me, but when you talk about putting two guys in a room, who comes out? Jon Jones has the tools to beat everybody,” White stated.
This assessment from White is grounded in the reality of mixed martial arts. While Tyson is a boxing legend, his lack of grappling skills would put him at a severe disadvantage against someone as well-rounded as Jon Jones. The UFC community largely supported White’s analysis, acknowledging Jones’ unmatched versatility in the Octagon.
White opined, “A hundred percent but Tyson doesn’t know the ground game. Tyson can’t grapple. Nobody loves Mike Tyson more than I do, believe me, but when you talk about putting two guys in a room who comes out, Jon Jones has the tools to beat everybody.”
The Bigger Picture: Respect Among Giants
The story of Jones and Shaq, and the hypothetical discussion of Jones vs. Tyson, highlights the mutual respect that exists among these larger-than-life figures. While their professions differ, their shared experiences in the world of combat sports and competition create a bond that transcends physical intimidation.
Jon Jones’ decision to apologize to Shaq, even after all these years, is a testament to his character. It shows that beneath the tough exterior and the fearsome reputation, there lies a man who values respect and friendship. This moment of humility, coupled with his unparalleled skills in the Octagon, cements Jon Jones’ legacy not just as a fighter but as a true sportsman.
