Just days after devout Christian Irishwoman Katie Taylor retained her title as an undisputed world boxing champion, another Christian professional fighter did the same.
Jon ‘Bones’ Jones declared to a crowd of thousands, including President-elect Donald Trump, that “Jesus loves you” and gave God the glory after keeping his undisputed UFC world heavyweight champion title.
“I tell you what, man, I cannot take credit for a gift like this, and I really owe it all to Him,” the 37-year-old fighter told host Joe Rogan after winning his bout against Stipe Miocic in New York’s Madison Square Garden.
“I know that there’s millions of people around the world watching right now, and I just want to let you guys know that Jesus loves you so much,” he declared.
With the victory, Jones extended his UFC record to 16 title fight wins.
The Christian Post reports: “As well as the incoming President, ringside celebrities included Trump supporters Elon Musk, UFC CEO Dana White, House Speaker Mike Johnson, newly appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and singer Kid Rock.
“A big, big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones said before presenting Trump with the belt and imitating the president-elect’s viral dance.
“I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian-American champion,” he proclaimed.
Mr. Trump, who smiled and pointed after Jones imitated his dance, invited the fighter to The White House when he takes office next year as the 47th president of the United States.
As the son of a Pentecostal pastor, Jones often expresses his faith publicly and even has Philippians 4:13 tattooed on his chest: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
In a 2019 interview, Jones elaborated on the meaning of this tattoo, stating: “I remember that I represent being able to do all things through Christ. And that is overcoming, that is being strong.”
“I have to be strong for the people that see my tattoo and believe it. I’ve gotta be strong for the King.”
The fighter frequently references his faith in interviews and on social media, attributing his successes and resilience to his relationship with God.
Jones’s father, Pastor Arthur Jones of Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ in Binghamton, New York, prviously revealed that he did not initially encourage his son’s desire to pursue an MMA career.
“I wanted him to preach. I tried to discourage him from being a fighter. I told him you don’t want to do that. You can do other things. Be a pastor,” his father urged.
But over time, his pastor Dad came to see a connection between his son’s faith and the MMA.
“In Biblical times, there was always warfare: David and Goliath, Samson, the enemies of the Israelites. They fought in the valleys, on the hills, in the mountains. My son trains for every fight, not just physically but spiritually,” Pastor Jones explained.
“He was born like that. Even when he was a baby. He didn’t have to say ‘pick me up.’ You knew. Even when he cried, he would look you in the eye. Even then, Jon just had a commanding presence.”
Photo: Facebook — MMA Fighting
