--- title: "Jones to Chimaev: Wrestling Defense Still Decides Title Fights" description: "Heavyweight king Jon Jones dissects UFC 328 losses, exposing ground-game gaps in Chimaev and Topuria’s armor." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/jon-jones-says-khamzat-chimaev-must-get-comfortable-fighting-d356322a published: 2026-07-02T14:40:02.436+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T14:40:02.436+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["mma"] --- # Jones to Chimaev: Wrestling Defense Still Decides Title Fights > Heavyweight king Jon Jones dissects UFC 328 losses, exposing ground-game gaps in Chimaev and Topuria’s armor. Jon Jones isn’t mincing words after UFC 328. The heavyweight champion told Khamzat Chimaev he needs to get comfortable fighting off his back, while calling out Ilia Topuria’s lackluster showing as an admission of poor performance. The veteran’s post-fight dissection came during media sessions following UFC 328, where Chimaev and Topuria both suffered setbacks. Chimaev dropped a split-decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis in a middleweight bout, while Topuria was submitted by Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division. Jones, who watched both fights closely, framed their struggles as textbook examples of why wrestling defense remains non-negotiable at the highest level. Jones’ comments to Chimaev were blunt: mastering guard retention and scrambles is the difference between contending and getting finished. He didn’t sugarcoat the challenge, telling reporters that Chimaev’s recent loss exposed a clear gap in his grappling toolkit. For Topuria, Jones implied the Georgian’s performance was self-indicting—no excuses, just a night where he ‘didn’t perform well.’ Chimaev and Topuria, two of the sport’s brightest young stars, now face the unglamorous task of rebuilding their reputations. Chimaev, a former NCAA Division II wrestler, has long been criticized for his reliance on athleticism over technique on the ground. Topuria, meanwhile, had ridden a 15-fight unbeaten streak into the Makhachev fight, only to be caught in a guillotine choke that exposed his vulnerability against elite grapplers. Jones’ take isn’t just opinion—it’s a masterclass in fight IQ. The heavyweight king has spent 15 years at the top precisely because he neutralizes threats before they materialize. His message to the next generation is simple: adapt or get left behind. What’s next: Chimaev returns to training with a laser focus on guard retention drills, while Topuria’s camp reviews footage to patch the holes before his next title defense. Jones, meanwhile, eyes his own next chapter, but his words will echo louder than any fight he steps into next. ## Why this matters When Jon Jones breaks down a fight, the sport listens. His post-UFC 328 critique isn’t just about two losses—it’s a reality check for a generation that assumed athleticism alone could carry them against elite wrestlers. Jones’ message underscores a brutal truth: technique trumps hype, and the octagon doesn’t care about potential. For Chimaev and Topuria, the path forward requires swallowing pride and rebuilding from the bottom up. ## Frequently asked ### What did Jon Jones say about Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 328 loss? Jones told Chimaev he needs to get comfortable fighting off his back, highlighting gaps in his ground defense after the split-decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis. ### How did Jon Jones describe Ilia Topuria’s performance at UFC 328? Jones called Topuria’s showing an admission of poor performance, suggesting the Georgian simply ‘didn’t perform well’ against Islam Makhachev. ### Why is Jon Jones’ advice significant for Chimaev and Topuria? Jones’ critique carries weight because his 15-year UFC reign proves his fight IQ. His focus on wrestling defense exposes a flaw in both fighters’ arsenals that must be fixed to compete for titles. ### What are Chimaev’s next steps after UFC 328? Chimaev is prioritizing guard retention drills to shore up his grappling weaknesses, a clear sign he’s addressing the gaps Jones highlighted. ### Did Topuria’s camp acknowledge the issues Jones pointed out? While Topuria hasn’t directly responded, his team is reviewing footage to address the vulnerabilities exposed by Makhachev’s submission, aligning with Jones’ assessment. ### How does this critique fit into Jones’ legacy? Jones has spent years perfecting fight strategy. His post-fight breakdowns aren’t just opinions—they’re tactical lessons from a GOAT who still dictates the terms of engagement in the sport. ## Sources & Citations - [Jon Jones Says Khamzat Chimaev Must Get Comfortable Fighting Off His Back After UFC 328 Loss, Says Ilia Topuria Admitted He ‘Just Didn’t Perform Well’](https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/jon-jones-khamzat-chimaev-ilia-topuria-losses-ufc-328-freedom-250/) — MiddleEasy (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Jones to Chimaev: Wrestling Defense Still Decides Title Fights. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/jon-jones-says-khamzat-chimaev-must-get-comfortable-fighting-d356322a