post-fight press conference the 24-year-old champion maintained a low-key, almost downtrodden demeanor, despite the fact that he was only minutes removed from the biggest win of his career.
"Me and 'Rampage' [Jackson] did a lot of talking and I'm just glad it's over," said Jones, his voice flat and low. "I'm just doing my job right now."
Maybe what got him down was the foot injury he sustained while kicking Jackson's shins. He had to be helped into his seat at the start of the post-fight presser and helped out of the room once it was over, though he insisted it was nothing serious.
-- a shift that Jones said "ruined my special night" for the second time in as many title fights.
When asked about that comment, a stone-faced Jones shook his head and said only, "I don't want to talk about Rashad today."
Though later he did talk about him, but only after Jackson alluded to Evans possibly having Jones' number after their training room sessions at Greg Jackson's gym in Albuquerque, N.M.
After Jackson said that Evans was "basically the only person who has a chance at beating him because Rashad trained with him before and Rashad knows," Jones deigned to speak of his former training partner.
UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson def. Aaron Riley via first-round TKO (broken jaw) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley suffers a broken jaw at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley tries to counter Tony Ferguson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson cracks the jaw of Aaron Riley with an uppercut at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch def. Nick Ring via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch raises his arms at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch tries a shoulderlock on Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch attacks the arm of Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Junior Assuncao ground and pounds Eddie Yagin at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin lands a left hand on Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin connects on a right hand at Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki def. Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki celebrates his win over Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki beats Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki punches Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Cole Escovedo kicks Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki crushes Cole Escovedo with a left hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna def. Ricardo Romero via KO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna knocks down Ricardo Romero at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz makes impact with a punch on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz slaps on a triangle choke on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne knees Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne climbs on top of Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne punches Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell walks to the back after his loss to Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt defeats Ben Rothwell via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt takes a breather after a three-round fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt looks to ground and pound Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt attempts an armbar on Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt goes behind Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt kicks Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell mounts Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell collides with Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck defeats Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
The referee attends to Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck celebrates his win over Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck shakes UFC matchmaker Joe Silva's hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes tries to grab Josh Koscheck at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck punches Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck are ready to fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Rashad Evans talks about being the next challenger for Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones relaxes after his win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones embraces Quinton "Rampage" Jackson after their fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones beats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones submits Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson takes a breather after the third round at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones fires punches at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones lands a front kick to the face of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a punch at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at the ribs of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick to the body of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson throws a punch at Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones receives corner advice for his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson receive final instructions before their title fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
"I will say this about Rashad," Jones said. "He does not have my number. He's not even close to having my number. Me and Rashad, we sparred a few times, and every time we sparred I know what could have happened. He talks about one day at practice where he held me down and he lives that day in his head every day."
Even Jackson had questions for Jones once they were both sitting at the same table. Like, for instance, why did he start the fight by crawling out to the center of the cage on all fours?
According to Jones it was because he knew Jackson's punching power would be greatest early in the fight and "I knew he wouldn't be able to generate too much power at such a low target."
And his decision to dump Jackson over his back before calmly strolling off to his corner following the horn to end round three? At the time, it seemed like just one more way to remind Jackson of his superiority. Not quite toying with him, but certainly sending a message.
Not so, according to Jones.
"I was just trying to finish the round strong, show that I had a lot of energy left," he explained.
Jackson, who has losses to both Jones and Evans, said he respected the champion more than his old rival Evans, if only because Jones looked to do more than simply out-wrestle him.
"When it comes to fighting, even though Jon ran like a little girl every now and then, I still have more respect for him as a fighter, because Jon did come to bring it. ...He rocked me once and he's a true fighter. Rashad...I was really rusty and he probably would have knocked me out that time had he fought me."
As for Jones, he insisted that he was "definitely happy" about the win over Jackson, even if he didn't seem like it. Rather than thinking (or talking) about where and when his long-awaited fight with Evans might be, the champion had other ideas.
"I just can't wait to get home to my family, take a nice bath, and be done for a while."