Jon Jones loves proving the haters fallacious.
Regardless of being nothing in need of dominant all through his whole UFC profession, ‘Bones’ has remained certainly one of MMA’s most contentious figures, largely resulting from his numerous run-ins with the regulation, home abuse allegations, and drug and PED use.
However by all of it, Jones has managed to maintain his “undefeated” report intact, although even that may be a sore topic for some battle followers.
Throughout his legendary gentle heavyweight run, Jones’ victories over Alexander Gustafsson, Thiago Santos, and Dominick Reyes have been all met with a heavy dose of skepticism. The final one was so egregious that it precipitated Jones to desert the division altogether and disappear for 3 years earlier than rising from the shadows as a heavyweight.
However by all of it, Jones has taken the criticism in stride, utilizing it as a solution to inspire himself for no matter comes subsequent.
“I’ve tasted defeat within the ring within the moments when my fights have come, been shut… when you may have a complete fan base of individuals swearing up and down I misplaced sure fights, it positively motivates me to make the following battle that rather more dominant,” Jones informed Geoffrey Woo.
“Should you catch me on an off day, know that after I’m again you will notice me at my very best. I believe success is likely one of the best revenge you may have in opposition to your naysayers.”
Jon Jones’ GOAT standing affords him particular remedy within the UFC
Claiming the heavyweight title in March 2023, Jones has solely defended his crown as soon as, defeating former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in Madison Sq. Backyard.
Lengthy earlier than that battle went down, followers have been already clamoring for a conflict between Jones and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Realistically, it’s a battle that no one ought to should foyer for. When you may have two titleholders in a single division, they inevitably battle. It’s all the time been that manner, however Jones is particular.
And along with his particular standing comes particular privileges, like protecting a belt regardless of dodging a battle with the more-than-game interim champ.
In fact, Jones in all probability ought to have been stripped of the gold whereas taking a yr off to get better from a pectoral harm. Clearly, getting injured wasn’t a part of his plan, but when each Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill have been relieved of their duties as gentle heavyweight champions resulting from accidents, why wasn’t Jones given the identical remedy?
That’s a topic for one more article, however the reply isn’t too onerous to search out.
