Former Jackson-Wink general manager Mikhail Lyubimov shared a series of revelations about the storied gym and its fighters. He disclosed that Josh Hawkins does not spar with heavyweights, with his primary sparring partner being a lightweight grappler with a losing record, and that Greg Jackson will not work his corner at the White House event due to political differences with the Trump administration. Lyubimov also revealed that Jon Jones once demanded Roman Dolidze be removed from the gym after Dolidze was causing problems in sparring for Jones and the coaching staff, and that the gym's decline stems from Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn burning out, with Winkeljohn increasingly focused on real estate. Additional details included Steve Garcia's exceptional sparring level, Cub Swanson's departure following a rib injury caused by Arman Ospanov, and Claressa Shields' struggles in MMA attributed to her reluctance to engage seriously with wrestling and grappling.
Former Jackson-Wink general manager Mikhail Lyubimov has gone public with a detailed account of internal tensions, sparring arrangements, and structural problems at one of MMA's most celebrated gyms, with the revelations painting a picture of an organization in gradual decline.
Among the most pointed disclosures was Lyubimov's claim about Josh Hawkins, who is slated to compete at UFC White House on June 14. According to Lyubimov, Hawkins does not spar with heavyweights and has been working primarily with a lightweight grappler who carries a losing record — a preparation setup that raises questions about his readiness for elite-level competition.
Lyubimov also addressed Jon Jones, the 38-year-old heavyweight whose six-foot-four frame and 84-inch reach have defined the sport for well over a decade. The former GM revealed that Jones once demanded Roman Dolidze be removed from the facility after Dolidze was creating friction in sparring sessions for both Jones and the coaching staff. Dolidze, the 37-year-old Georgian middleweight ranked twelfth in his division at six-foot-two with a 15-5 record, has since moved on to Xtreme Couture.
On the subject of UFC White House specifically, Lyubimov stated that Greg Jackson will not work any fighter's corner at the event due to his political disagreements with the Trump administration.
The broader decline of Jackson-Wink, Lyubimov argued, traces back to both Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn experiencing burnout, with Winkeljohn reportedly redirecting significant energy toward real estate interests. Other details from the interview included praise for Steve Garcia's sparring quality, an account of Cub Swanson leaving the gym after sustaining a rib injury caused by Arman Ospanov, and an assessment that Claressa Shields' MMA development has been hampered by her unwillingness to seriously engage with wrestling and grappling fundamentals.
Why it matters
- Hawkins' sparring setup raises legitimate preparation concerns ahead of a high-profile card
- Greg Jackson's absence from corners at UFC White House removes a Hall of Fame coaching presence from a marquee event
- The accounts of Jones and Dolidze's fallout shed light on the interpersonal dynamics that have reshaped the gym's roster
- Leadership burnout and outside distractions at Jackson-Wink could accelerate the departure of remaining top-tier talent
Sunday, June 14, 2026
