Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Fighters’ alternate career plans
Basking in the glow of his heavyweight title victory, Jon Jones exited T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas earlier this month and stepped into his chauffeured vehicle. After a number of interviews in the arena, he took one last call, this one from a bleary-eyed media member situated on the opposite coast—and, despite the late hour, his spirits were rejuvenated when asked whether winning the championship at UFC 285 was his destiny.
