Jon Jones Explains Why Lewis Hamilton Called Him a “Coward” and Cut Off Contact Over Controversial Hunting Video

UFC superstar Jon Jones has opened up about a surprising disagreement with Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton, revealing that the two sports legends had a falling out after Hamilton criticized a hunting video Jones shared online.

The incident reportedly happened in 2021, during a period when Jones was away from competition after giving up his UFC light heavyweight championship. At the time, the fighter was preparing for a move up to the heavyweight division and was focused on changing his physique and training approach.

However, a social media post showing Jones participating in a controversial hunting activity reportedly caught the attention of Hamilton, who strongly disagreed with what he saw.

According to Jones, Hamilton privately contacted him with a lengthy message expressing disappointment and accusing him of behaving in a way that did not match the values Hamilton believed he represented.

The Hunting Video That Caused the Disagreement

Jones explained that the controversy began after he shared footage from a hunting trip involving former military personnel.

The UFC fighter said he had joined a group of former Army Rangers during an aerial hunting experience in which pigs were targeted from a helicopter using firearms.

Looking back on the experience, Jones said he was proud at the time because he successfully hunted one of the animals and believed the meat was used to help a family in need.

“I went hunting years ago with a bunch of Army Rangers,” Jones explained during an interview with ALF Global. “We ended up hunting pigs from a helicopter using AR-15s.”

Jones said he viewed the experience positively because the animal he hunted was donated to an underprivileged family in the community.

However, the situation looked very different from Hamilton’s perspective.

Hamilton’s Strong Reaction

According to Jones, Hamilton — who had recently secured his seventh Formula 1 world championship — saw the footage and reacted negatively.

Jones claimed that Hamilton sent him a long private message explaining why he disagreed with the hunting method.

The F1 champion, who has often spoken publicly about animal welfare and environmental issues, allegedly criticized the use of a helicopter and firearms in the hunt.

Jones said Hamilton told him that he believed hunting should involve more traditional methods, such as using a spear or bow and arrow, where the animal has more opportunity to escape.

“He wrote me a long message saying that I was a coward and that he thought I was better than that,” Jones recalled.

According to Jones, Hamilton argued that killing an animal from a helicopter removed any possibility of a fair confrontation between the hunter and the animal.

Jones explained that Hamilton’s view was that a hunter should give the animal a chance to fight back rather than using a method that creates such a significant advantage.

Jones Was Unable to Respond

Despite receiving Hamilton’s criticism, Jones said he never had the opportunity to properly respond because Hamilton blocked him on social media.

“He unfollowed me, and he blocked me,” Jones said.

The UFC fighter admitted that the situation disappointed him because he had admired Hamilton and considered himself a fan of the racing superstar.

Jones said he respected Hamilton’s achievements and was surprised by the reaction because he had not expected such a strong response from someone he looked up to.

“It sucked because I was his fan,” Jones explained.

Jones Offers an Apology

Although Jones defended his intentions at the time, he later expressed regret over the incident and said he understood why Hamilton was upset.

Speaking directly to Hamilton, Jones offered an apology and suggested that he would not repeat the activity.

“So Lewis, if you’re listening, I’m sorry, bro,” Jones said. “I’m sorry. Won’t do it again.”

His comments appeared to show that, despite their disagreement, Jones still respected Hamilton and valued the relationship they once had as admirers of each other’s careers.

Two Champions With Different Views

The disagreement highlighted the different perspectives held by two of the biggest names in global sports.

Jon Jones is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists in UFC history, known for his dominance inside the Octagon and his championship achievements.

Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, is regarded as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers, holding a record-equalling seven world titles and being known for his activism outside racing.

While both athletes have achieved extraordinary success, they have also become known for strong personal beliefs.

Hamilton has frequently used his public platform to discuss animal rights, environmental issues, and lifestyle choices.

Jones has built his reputation around combat sports, physical competition, and a more traditional athletic identity.

Their disagreement showed how public figures can sometimes clash when personal values and beliefs come into conflict.

A Friendship Put Under Pressure

The incident appears to have created distance between the two athletes, at least temporarily.

Jones’ comments suggest that he was surprised by Hamilton’s reaction because he respected the driver and considered himself a supporter.

Meanwhile, Hamilton’s decision to block Jones indicates how strongly he felt about the issue.

Although it remains unclear whether the two have spoken since the disagreement, Jones’ public apology suggests he would be open to moving past the incident.

The situation also reflects the growing attention placed on athletes’ actions outside their sports careers.

With millions of followers watching their every move, decisions made away from competition can often create major public discussions.

For Jones and Hamilton, a single hunting video became the source of a surprising dispute between two champions from completely different sporting worlds.