Former Jackson Wink general manager Mikhail Lyubimov has shared a series of revelations about the famed gym, including that Jon Jones had no memory of sparring with Jiri Prochazka despite the Czech fighter training there before his UFC run. Lyubimov also disclosed that Jones once pushed for Roman Dolidze to be removed from the gym because Dolidze was giving him and the BJJ coaches too many problems on the mat. Additional details included Greg Jackson's absence from Josh Hooker's corner at the White House event for political reasons, and assessments of the current levels of fighters such as Steve Garcia and Claresa Shields.
Mikhail Lyubimov, the former general manager of Jackson Wink MMA, has gone public with a string of behind-the-scenes accounts from his time at the renowned Albuquerque gym, painting a candid picture of life alongside some of the sport's biggest names.
Among the more striking revelations was that Jon Jones had no recollection of ever sparring with Jiri Prochazka, despite the Czech fighter having trained at Jackson Wink before launching his UFC career. Prochazka, now 33 and ranked second in the light heavyweight division with a professional record of 32-6-1, is one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport — landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, with a six-foot-three frame and an 80-inch reach that makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone. Jones, 38, carries a 28-1-0 record and is widely regarded as the greatest fighter in UFC history, yet Lyubimov says the encounter with Prochazka left no impression on him whatsoever.
Lyubimov also disclosed that Jones pushed for Roman Dolidze to be removed from the gym after the Georgian fighter caused problems for Jones and the BJJ coaching staff on the mat. Dolidze, now 37 and competing at middleweight where he sits ranked 12th with a 15-5-0 record, averages 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes and 1.16 takedowns in the same span — numbers that suggest the grappling friction Lyubimov described was far from surprising.
Further details included an account of why Greg Jackson did not work Josh Hooker's corner at the White House event, with Lyubimov attributing the absence to political considerations. He also offered assessments of current Jackson Wink fighters including Steve Garcia and boxer Claressa Shields.
Why it matters
- The Jones-Prochazka anecdote adds texture to the history between two of light heavyweight's most prominent figures
- The Dolidze account offers rare insight into the internal friction that can shape a fighter's career path at elite gyms
- Lyubimov's willingness to speak openly suggests a broader window into Jackson Wink's inner workings may still be forthcoming
