Former Grizzlies Player Claims He Could Beat Legendary UFC Fighter

Former Memphis Grizzlies forward James Johnson recently joined the NBA Rookie Life with Ryan Hollins podcast, and claimed he could defeat legendary UFC fighter Jon Jones in a fight. Johnson, who has a second-degree black belt in martial arts, added that he would need a year to train, but believes he could win the fight.

"I think I could beat him for real," Johnson said. "With a year of training defense, I just need ground defense. I've been punching and kicking since I was five, six years old.”

Johnson added, "I rock with Jones... I would need a year [to train]. My standup game is great, but what we all know with Jones is he's a collegiate wrestler... really good on the ground, and that's not my forte. I can get on the ground... To his level? I'm not there yet, I'd definitely need a year to work on counters and defenses against it so that we can stay on our feet."

Certainly one of - if not the best fighters in NBA history, Johnson is not the player anyone would want to face in a fight. That said, Jones is one of the greatest to ever do it, which is why Johnson believes he would need a year to train before facing off with him. It was a bold statement, but one Johnson is standing by.

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