Grappling Jon Jones: An Interview With Don Daubert

In case you missed it, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones added another belt to his collection this weekend when he won a belt at NAGA.

The Jiu-Jitsu Times couldn’t get an interview with the legendary “Bones” but we were able to get a hold of his NAGA opponent, Don Daubert.

Here is what he had to say about rolling with one the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Jiu-Jitsu Times: Where do you train and what is your rank?

Don Daubert: I train at 10th Planet Phoenix and I am a purple belt under John Botello.

JJT: What were you feelings when you found out you were going to be competing against the UFC light heavyweight champion and a man who some believe is the best pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world?

DD: So, it didn’t quite happen like that. My friend Erik and I saw him at a NAGA merchandise stand. So, I said, ‘Hey, let’s go fan boy out and see if he will give us a picture. But he ducked into this changing tent. So we waited for him for a picture, but he came out in jiu-jitsu gear, and I asked him if he was rolling today, and he said yes. I then said, “Hey, if you are ever interested in rolling with someone DC-shaped while in Phoenix, let me know.” He talked to someone and then said, “Hey, I want to fight him,” and pointed at me.

JJT: Nice!

DD: He asked me what I weighed and what belt level I was and then they just had us do a match. It was a very surreal experience and one that I would have never expected in a million years when I woke up this morning.

JJT: You used the term “fan boy out” earlier. Were you a Jon Jones fan before your fight with him?

DD: Oh absolutely! He is one of the best fighters in the world, if not the best.

JJT: What can you tell us about his grappling style?

DD: His takedowns are fast! His length is such a problem. You can see him holding me down and I can’t even get close to reaching him. He sneaked that arm in on the far side and I never expected someone to be able to get a grip across me. By the time I realized what he was going for, his grip was sunk in. I have been smiling all day, though. It was a great experience.

JJT: I can imagine. And yeah, I can see his length gave you a lot of problems, as it does for most UFC fighters. What about after the match? I noticed you guys shook hands and hugged. Did you find him to be a pretty humble and likable guy?

DD: He was an absolute gentleman. We hugged, and thanked each other for the match, and I got a picture with him. He kept saying that he had a blast. It was so much fun, that he wanted to do it again. I hope he does. He could easily be world class in a short while.

You can watch Don’s match against Jon Jones below: 

The post Grappling Jon Jones: An Interview With Don Daubert appeared first on Jiu-Jitsu Times.