‘Jon Jones is different’: 1x NBA champion not sure if former Heat player James Johnson can fight UFC legend

When it comes to stories from the NBA, there are no better storytellers than Jeff Teague. The former Minnesota Timberwolves man was on The Draymond Green Show for this very purpose, and many of his stories left even the host in shock. And perhaps the most shocking of all is how James Johnson almost decided to quit the NBA to fight a certain UFC legend.

Initially, Teague recounted how Johnson once defended him after football players from the same university kept calling him ‘Mike Conley’, something that got on his nerves. But as he soon learned there, James not only knew kickboxing, he was actually 10-0 in his career at the time.

Jeff then went on to share how the team had a meeting with him where he was asked what he would choose between the UFC and basketball. The 36-year-old then revealed his former college teammate’s hilarious answer, before even revealing that he wanted to fight arguably the best pound for pound fighter of all time, Jon Jones.

“This guy had a kickboxing match scheduled at the university… Coach has to sit us down and tell us, ‘Yo! Are you gonna be a kickboxer or a basketball player?’ He’s like, ‘I need some money!’ I’m like, Goddammit! Are you gonna fight? For money? Oh, I’m not fucking with this guy!… He’s like, I’m 10-0. I need some extra money here.”

Jeff then turned to the possible sparks between Jon Jones and James Johnson, saying:

“Didn’t you hear him talking crazy to Jon Jones? Oh, I know he doesn’t! JJ (James Johnson) I love you to death. (But) listen, I don’t know. That’s a different world, I don’t want to smoke with any of you! But he said he wants to fight Jon Jones. I’m like (shakes head) ‘okay.'”

Throughout his time in the NBA, James Johnson has been known as one of those guys who is always ready to blow. And especially considering how well prepared he is to fight these kinds of situations, most players, teammates or otherwise, are aware that it is better not to argue with him.

That said, Jon Jones is no pushover either. Although he is now retired, his record stands at 27 wins, 1 loss, and no ties. That is beyond exceptional and a huge testament to the fact that it would take a lot to beat him. That said, if anyone in the NBA can do it, it is probably James Johnson.

James Johnson’s UFC career

As mentioned, when Johnson was in college, he went 10-0. Later in life, when he tried his hand at the UFC, it didn’t work out so well. He only fought once, a match he lost.

However, especially considering he is one of the few people in the NBA with actual fighting experience, there aren’t many others you would pick to take on the great Jon Jones in a potential matchup. However, there is no doubt that the UFC legend would be the favorite in this scenario, regardless of how skilled the NBA player is.