The famed Americans are expected to fight in a face-to-face bout in November.
"Of course it's going to be a tough fight. I'm talking a lot of nonsense, but people don't see my efforts. November is six months away and I'm working like an ox. I'm training like it's going to be my first time in the octagon.
I just watched an interview that Stipe did. He looked incredibly fit and healthy. There was enthusiasm and motivation in his voice. The disdain you guys have for Stipe and everything he has achieved is beyond me. You fans are just hysterical. Calling the greatest heavyweight in the history of our sport a retired firefighter is ridiculous," Jones wrote in X.