Street fighter Maraji Johnson, known by his alias Death Sentence, has publicly challenged UFC star Jon Jones to a sparring session.
Johnson gained internet recognition through the backyard fighting platform Streetbeefs. He was on a losing streak until receiving coaching and guidance from MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, widely considered one of the greatest fighters in history.
Following his training with the UFC veteran earlier this month, the backyard fighting sensation secured his first victory, breaking his winless record.
Now, the street fighter, who holds a 1-4 record, is aiming much higher, expressing a desire to test himself against the reigning UFC heavyweight champion.
Street Fighter Challenges Jon Jones
During a recent interview, Demetrious Johnson reportedly advised Death Sentence against calling out former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. However, when Death Sentence mentioned targeting Jon Jones, Demetrious Johnson apparently found it amusing.
“If he was in this room right now, I would swing on him,” Death Sentence stated regarding ‘Bones’.
He continued, “F*** it. Come to Charlotte and we can spar. The reason I haven’t talked s*** about Jon Jones recently is because I’m going to focus on my opposition. But if Jon Jones was in this room, I would swing on him.”
“I could take him out. I don’t have a grudge against him anymore like I used to. I just wanted to beat his ass because I’m like, ‘Bro, I deserve what he’s got. I want it.’
“So, I don’t got no beef with Jon Jones no more. But again, if he was in this room and he wanted to run it, we can do that. It’s on him though.”
What Are Jon Jones`s Fight Plans for 2025?
Jon Jones has reportedly been in discussions regarding a significantly tougher opponent: interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall.
Aspinall has been awaiting his opportunity to prove he is the best big man in MMA since his swift 60-second knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July.
UFC CEO Dana White has publicly guaranteed “100 percent” that the fight between Jones and Aspinall will take place in 2025.
“He’s fighting. He will be fighting,” White told street journalist Adam Glyn last month.
“Yes. Absolutely,” White added when asked about Jones`s return in 2025.
However, Jones himself offered a seemingly contradictory hint about his UFC comeback timeline recently. In response to a sarcastic comment on Instagram about when fans might see his “famous eye poke” again, the UFC great replied with two words that some interpreted as confirming fan fears that he might not face Aspinall in the immediate future.
“Next year,” Jones wrote, suggesting his return may not be as soon as anticipated.
Ultimately, only time will tell if White and the UFC executives can finalize plans for Jon Jones to return to the octagon in 2025.
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell