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Being the greatest of all time requires more than just talent-it demands a mental edge. According to Joe Rogan, Jon Jones has mastered this advantage with a unique pre-fight ritual that goes beyond traditional training.
On episode #2278 of The Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator revealed how Jones' visualization techniques have played a crucial role in his dominance inside the Octagon.
A psychological advantage before the fight
Jones doesn't just rely on physical preparation-his mental game is just as intense. Rogan described how the heavyweight champion takes time to walk around the cage before each fight, soaking in the environment when the arena is empty.
"He just wanted to feel the floor under his feet, he wanted to see the cage, he wanted to get himself in that mindset," Rogan explained. This ritual allows Jones to familiarize himself with the battlefield before stepping into combat.
Visualization is a key part of Jones' approach. The reigning champion has spoken about how he mentally plays out his fights in advance, envisioning every move and predicting how he will win.
"I take it so seriously as far as meditation, notes, visualization, preparation-everything. I take it a lot more seriously than a lot of people who play this sport. I'm obsessed with the game that I play," Jones once told Rogan.
The power of visualization in MMA
Jones isn't the only fighter who believes in visualization. Former UFC double champion Conor McGregor has also credited much of his success to this technique. The Irish fighter famously predicted his 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo, having rehearsed the exact sequence before the fight.
"If you can see it here and have the courage enough to speak it, it will happen," McGregor once said, emphasizing the power of belief and mental preparation.
However, both Jones and McGregor now find themselves in uncertain territory. Jones' next fight against Tom Aspinall remains unconfirmed, while McGregor's return to the Octagon is still in question.
Whether visualization can help them reclaim their dominance remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the greatest fighters don't just train their bodies-they train their minds as well.