The debate on the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time is once again up in the air and Jon Jones explains why he should be on top of the conversation.
The 32-year old fighter is regarded as one of the best fighters ever to grace the Octagon.
In his storied MMA career, he only lost once, when he suffered disqualification in December 2009 against Matt Hamil due to illegal elbows.
A two-time light heavyweight titlist, he holds notable wins over Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Ryan Bader, Brandon Vera, and many others.
More than a year after his involvement in a doping scandal, which overturned his victory against DC to a no-contest, Jones returned to action to reclaim the 205-pound throne.
He currently sits atop the light heavyweight class, following wins against Alexander Gustafsson, Anthony Smith, and Thiago Santos.
Ahead of his title-retention bid at UFC 247, the pound-for-pound king reminds everyone why he should be hailed as the MMA GOAT and not Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Fighting Legends
The Russian champion is one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC at the moment, winning 12 straight victories in the lightweight class including a pair of title-defences against Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.
While Nurmagomedov boasts a heavy resume, Jones believes he is ahead of the lightweight champ in the ‘GOAT’ conversation.
Here’s why:
<“If you were to ask some MMA experts about myself and Khabib, I think most people would be able to tell our resumes are completely different,”Jones said at ESPN First Take.
“I’ve fought so many world champions that I’ve defeated. Khabib, a lot of his victories are against a lot of people that are relatively unknown. I’ve been fighting legends since I was a young man.”
“I think Khabib’s an amazing fighter.”
“He’s done a great job representing UFC. He’s a great ambassador for our sport.”
Champ Champ
Aiming to cement his status as the greatest fighter of all-time, Jones wants to win another UFC gold in a different weight class.
“In order to put a lot of this pound-for-pound who’s the greatest conversation to rest, I’m gonna have to maybe obtain a second belt in a different weight class.”
“I think that would really set me apart from a lot of the guys.”
“The move is inevitable.”
“I’m only getting better as a professional. I think I’m at a place and I have the team around me that could get me to that weight class in a safe and healthy way.”
“I’m excited for when it does happen. I see nothing but good things.”
“I’ve been competing against my brothers my whole life, who are both bigger than me, both Super Bowl champions. I feel like I’m ready for that lane.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov)