LAS VEGAS -- Damian Pinas is rapidly establishing himself as a rising star in the UFC, with the legendary Jon Jones cheering him on. Pinas showcased his talent by achieving three first-round knockouts in the UFC, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.

As he prepared for his fight against Cesar Almeida on the prelims of UFC 329, Pinas had an unexpected encounter with Jones backstage at the T-Mobile Arena. According to a source from CBS Sports, Jones and Pinas engaged in a brief sparring session, after which Jones provided a motivational pep talk before Pinas' entrance to the octagon.

Pinas expressed his excitement at the post-fight press conference, stating, "That was crazy. He's a legend, so don't play with him." He further remarked on Jones' presence, saying, "Today, he came into the room with Gable [Steveson]. He gave me a pep talk and showed me a warm-up."

The influence of Jones seemed to inspire Pinas, who delivered a spectacular performance by scoring a first-round walk-off knockout. Following his victory, he made headlines by calling out fellow middleweight prospect Baisangur Susurkaev, accusing him of snubbing him.

Jones, a former two-division champion, holds multiple UFC records, including the most wins in title fights and the highest number of successful title defenses, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.