British breakout star Lone'er Kavanagh stunned by call from UFC GOAT Jon Jones - 'He likes my kicks!'
Published 01/03/2026 at 17:40 GMT
React to this story
Lone'er Kavanagh had already had the best night of his young career when he beat Brandon Moreno on the UFC 268 card in Mexico City on Saturday. But, much to his disbelief, things soon got even better when he got a surprise phone call from UFC GOAT Jon Jones after the fight. Almost lost for words, the 26-year-old beamed at his team after being complimented for his Muay Thai and his kicking.
Highlights: A star is born as Kavanagh STUNS Moreno at UFC Mexico
Video credit: TNT Sports
New UFC star Lone'er Kavanagh could barely believe his ears when he got a surprise phone call after his stunning victory over Brandon Moreno.
The 26-year-old won by a unanimous decision on the judge's scorecards in the flyweight contest.
The bout was so good, that it was also named the 'Fight of the Night' on the UFC 268 card in Mexico City.
And as well as earning that accolade, the Londoner grabbed the attention of legend Jon Jones, who gave him a quick call.
"Yes Jon!" said the surprised Kavanagh. "Yes Jon! That's sick! I'm a big fan."
"Hey, congratulations," Jones replied.
- Pereira vacates UFC light heavyweight title
- Strickland calls out Chimaev after beating Hernandez at UFC Fight Night
- Murphy to fight Evloev in main event at UFC London
"Thank you so much, sir," replied Kavanagh, who was almost lost for words. "It means the world to me."
This was by far the biggest victory of Kavanagh's career. He had come into the contest having picked up nine wins from his previous 10 fights. However, the most recent of those was a loss to Charles Johnson back in August.
Although there was no title on the line, Kavanagh was taking on a two-time world champion in the flyweight division.
Victory, then, was always going to make people - including a string of ex-fighters - sit up and take notice.
"Your Muay Thai is beautiful," continued Jones on the phone call.
"Thank you sir," Kavanagh responded gratefully. "Thank you sir. Yeah, I don't know what to say. I'm starstruck right now!"
"Bro, your kicks, they don't show at all," Jones added. "They have no telegraph. They're so nice!"
Kavanagh was quick to pay tribute to his coaching team for that compliment, as he replied: "It's because of this guy, my striking coach, and Michael [Pham] over there."
"Good job, guys," Jones said. "Good job fellas. Congratulations."
When he put down the phone, Kavanagh was in belief. Turning to his team, he excitedly proclaimed: "Jon Jones likes my kicks!"
If that display is anything to go by, it will not be the final time the two speak - either on the phone, or in person.
Who next for Kavanagh?
A victory like this will open up a lot of doors for Kavanagh.
The 26-year-old was fighting on a UFC card for just the fourth time. As well as his defeat to Johnson, there had been unanimous decision victories over Felipe dos Santos and Jose Ochoa.
On none of those occasions was there a belt on the line.
Joshua Van, who beat Alexandre Pantoja in December, is the current flyweight world champion.
The 24-year-old, who is from Myanmar, will defend his crown for the first time on April 11.
Tatsuro Taira will be his challenger as part of the UFC 327 card in Miami, a night headlined by Jiri Prochazka's light heavyweight clash with Carlos Ulberg.
And it is a contest Kavanagh will be keeping an eye on, as he said: "I want to become a champ. I want to be the best fighter that I possibly can be.
"I hope that this win, this victory against Brandon, solidifies that and proves people wrong.
"My head says Taira, but you can never count Van out. That's where I'm at at the moment."
All UFC events can be re-watched on the streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK, discovery+.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement