Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, is in Thailand coaching on ALF Reality, a Russian MMA show similar to The Ultimate Fighter. In a recent interview, he shared lighthearted stories about engaging in daily playful fights with social media star Hasbulla, including a kick that left him with a bloody lip. The fun moments have drawn attention online, adding a unique angle to Jones’ time on the show.
Jones’ UFC Legacy and Thailand Trip
Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of MMA’s greatest fighters, holding a 27-1 record with his only loss being a controversial disqualification in 2009. He won the UFC light heavyweight title in 2011, defending it 11 times before moving to heavyweight. In March 2023, he claimed the heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. He defended it with a third-round TKO over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024.
In May 2025, Jones traveled to Thailand to coach on ALF Reality, joined by UFC veteran Nate Diaz. The show features up-and-coming fighters competing for recognition. Jones’ trip has sparked debate, as interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall awaits a title unification fight. Despite this, Jones is enjoying his time abroad, particularly his playful fights with Hasbulla.
Fun Playful Fights with Hasbulla
In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Jones described his daily playful fights with Hasbulla, a 22-year-old Dagestani known for his small stature and bold personality.
“Oh man, me and Hasbulla have been having a great time,” Jones said. “We fight almost every single day, right now I’ve got a bloody lip, he may have kicked me in the mouth. But we have good times.”
Jones praised Hasbulla’s abilities, saying, “Absolutely very strong, very strong. And he knows how to fight. Yeah, we have fun.” The playful fights, including a kick that bloodied Jones’ lip, have become a talking point, with videos of their interactions spreading online.
Hasbulla submits Jon Jones — a moment only a few could ever dream of 👑🤝 pic.twitter.com/RfpeIUHHlW
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 23, 2025
Hasbulla tries to choke out Jon Jones 😂
🎥 @Abraham_kawa #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/54kGaP5yR0
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 23, 2025
Jones’ playful fights with Hasbulla have faced some criticism. A video from May 18, 2025, showed Jones picking up and swinging Hasbulla, treating him like a child despite his age. Some online comments criticized the action, comparing it to a past incident where Mike Tyson mishandled Hasbulla. Others saw it as lighthearted, noting Hasbulla appeared to enjoy it before stumbling from dizziness.
The ALF Reality show also saw drama when Nate Diaz left after a brawl involving one of Jones’ fighters, Zalimkhan Yusupov, on the first day of filming. Jones told Red Corner MMA the play fight with Diaz “became serious right away,” leading to Diaz’s departure. These events have kept Jones’ Thailand trip in the spotlight.
Jones’ Thailand stint has delayed his octagon return, frustrating interim champion Tom Aspinall, who seeks a title fight. Jones dismissed the criticism, saying he’s “living good” and not avoiding anyone. He’s reportedly negotiating a UFC return in late 2025, possibly against Aspinall or light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, with a $30 million demand fueling discussions.
Jones’ playful fights with Hasbulla offer a lighter side to his time away from fighting. As he coaches on ALF Reality, his interactions with Hasbulla show a fun dynamic, but the MMA world awaits his next move in the cage
