Damian Pinas has arguably the best UFC fighter in history rooting for him. Jon Jones, the former two-division UFC champion, approached Pinas backstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas before his fight with Cesar Almeida on the prelims of UFC 329. Jones gave Pinas a pep talk and showed him a warm-up, which seemed to have a positive impact on Pinas' performance.
What happened?
Pinas delivered a thumping performance, scoring a first-round walk-off knockout against Almeida. The win improved Pinas' record to 10-1 with 10 stoppages. Jones, who holds numerous UFC records, including most wins in UFC title fights and most successful title defenses, may have played a role in Pinas' success.
Why it matters for Jon Jones
Jones' influence on the younger generation of UFC fighters is evident. By offering words of encouragement to Pinas, Jones demonstrated his willingness to help others succeed in the sport. This gesture may also reflect Jones' own growth as a fighter and a person.
What comes next?
Pinas called out fellow rising middleweight prospect Baisangur Susurkaev post-fight, accusing him of snubbing him. The call-out sets up a potential future matchup between the two fighters. Meanwhile, Jones will likely continue to be involved in the UFC scene, possibly as a mentor or coach to up-and-coming fighters.
The event, UFC 329, was headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, marking McGregor's first fight in five years. The rematch between the two future UFC Hall of Famers drew significant attention, but Pinas' win and Jones' involvement added an interesting subplot to the event.
Jones' greatness might be contagious, and Pinas' performance is a testament to the positive impact that experienced fighters can have on their younger counterparts. As the UFC continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Jones and other veteran fighters contribute to the growth and development of the sport.