Joseph Parker Ventures into MMA: The Secret Behind the Training Session with UFC Legend Who is Jon Jones?

Heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker recently dipped his toe into the world of mixed martial arts by training alongside UFC legend Jon Jones, and the experience left a lasting impression—just not the kind that would prompt a career change.

After sharing the mats and gym sessions with UFC heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones, Parker made it abundantly clear: “I’m staying in my lane—MMA is insane.” While Parker respects the grind and grit of mixed martial artists, he’s not eager to test his own limits inside the Octagon.

Joseph Parker Praises MMA Fighters but Has No Plans to Switch Sports

Joseph Parker has always been known for his humility and respect for fighters of all disciplines. But after firsthand exposure to the world of MMA, the former WBO heavyweight boxing champ isn’t hiding his admiration—or his skepticism about ever crossing over.

In a candid interview with Casino Hawks, Parker didn’t mince words when comparing boxers, MMA fighters, and BKFC competitors.

“Boxers are crazy, but MMA fighters are just a tiny bit more crazy—and then BKFC guys are the craziest. I don’t know how they take bareknuckle hits to the face!”

Parker acknowledged the toughness of MMA fighters who endure kicks, takedowns, grappling, and submissions, all while maintaining striking skills.

“They have Jiu Jitsu, grappling, kickboxing and so on to think about. I will just stick to what I am good at and focus on boxing.”

Training with Jon Jones: A Glimpse at MMA Greatness

While Joseph Parker has no plans to enter the UFC, his training experience with Jon Jones wasn’t just a publicity stunt. It was a deep dive into the work ethic and discipline of one of combat sports’ greatest champions.

Jon “Bones” Jones, widely considered the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in MMA, made a strong impression on Parker, who praised his intensity, preparation, and team structure.

“How he trains, the team he has around him and the work he puts in is phenomenal. It was great to see that upfront,” Parker explained.

This behind-the-scenes look gave Parker a newfound appreciation for the complexities of MMA training—and convinced him even more to stick to the sweet science of boxing.

The Crossover Craze—and Why Parker Isn’t Joining

In an era where crossover fights are becoming more frequent—think Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou, or Jake Paul’s MMA debut—many fans expected Joseph Parker might test the waters, especially with his friendly demeanor and open-minded attitude.

But Parker has drawn a clear line.

“I’m staying in my lane,” he reiterated, brushing off speculation that he might one day appear in the UFC or Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

Parker’s perspective is rooted not in fear, but in discipline and specialization. He understands his strengths and doesn’t want to dilute them by trying to learn an entirely new combat sport.

Respect for MMA, But Love for Boxing

Joseph Parker’s respect for MMA and its athletes is evident, but his heart clearly belongs to boxing. He’s climbed the ranks in a division known for its killers, from Deontay Wilder to Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce. To him, the ring already provides more than enough danger.

As someone who’s held the WBO heavyweight title and continues to be a top contender, Parker is focused on cementing his legacy in boxing. He understands the sacrifices that fighters make, whether in the cage or the ring—but he’s made it clear which path he’s chosen.

“Boxing is already tough. We’re not trying to make it harder by adding submissions and kicks,” Parker joked, while still giving a tip of the cap to those who do.

Jon Jones’ Influence on Parker’s Mentality

Even though Parker has no interest in an MMA fight, the experience of working with Jon Jones left him inspired.

Jon Jones is known for being meticulous in training, strategic in fights, and unrelenting in his pursuit of excellence. That type of mindset resonated with Parker, who is no stranger to high-level preparation himself.

“Jon Jones is a beast, an animal,” Parker said. “What stood out to me the most was his focus and how he commands the energy in the gym. Everyone trains hard because Jon trains hard.”

In many ways, Jones reinforced for Parker the importance of mental preparation and elite teamwork—values that translate well to boxing.

What’s Next for Joseph Parker?

Following his strong return to form in recent bouts, Joseph Parker is back in the mix in the heavyweight division. After a devastating loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, many doubted whether Parker would ever regain his elite standing.

However, a string of solid performances—including an emphatic win over Zhilei Zhang—have restored Parker’s reputation as a legitimate threat in the division.

As the heavyweight landscape shifts with uncertainty surrounding Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua, Parker is positioning himself for another title run.

And now, with the discipline sharpened by training insights from Jon Jones, Parker may be more dangerous than ever—inside the ring, that is.

Boxing vs MMA: A Never-Ending Debate

Parker’s recent comments reignite the ongoing debate over which sport is more demanding—boxing or MMA. While both require tremendous skill, stamina, and courage, athletes from both sides often highlight their unique challenges.

MMA fighters have to master multiple disciplines—wrestling, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing—while adapting strategies across five-minute rounds. Meanwhile, boxers like Parker have to master the nuances of footwork, range, rhythm, and precision over longer fights and under constant pressure.

By training with Jon Jones, Parker didn’t try to settle the debate. Instead, he came away with a deep respect for the MMA lifestyle—but also a reaffirmed belief in boxing as his calling.

Final Thoughts: Joseph Parker’s Respectful Rejection of MMA

In a world where so many fighters are chasing crossover fame and money, Joseph Parker’s decision to stay committed to boxing is refreshing. His comments are not dismissive of MMA—in fact, they’re filled with admiration and respect—but he knows who he is and where he thrives.

Training with Jon Jones gave him a look into another world, but it also reminded him of the beauty and brutality of the sport he already loves.

As Parker himself said:

“I will just stick to what I am good at and focus on boxing.”

For boxing fans, that’s good news. Because in a sport constantly in flux, Joseph Parker’s clarity of purpose and humility make him a standout both inside and outside the ring.