Khabib Drops Truth Bomb: Was Jon Jones EVER Really the Best?
Colaboradores
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, has stirred the pot with his recent comments about Jon Jones' career. While acknowledging Jones' accomplishments inside the Octagon, Khabib suggests that Jones' legacy is one of 'what could have been.'
In an interview on the "Hustle Show," Khabib stated that Jones deserves credit for his achievements but believes his career is marred by personal issues and controversies. He stopped short of outright condemnation, saying he didn't want to judge Jones as good or bad, but emphasized the impact of doping allegations on his legacy. "As an athlete, he reached greatness," Khabib conceded. "And to me, as someone who also fought in the UFC, he has no equal. There will always be questions about doping, whether he was caught or not. And yes, he was caught. It’s a fact, what, like three times? But as a fighter, he’s an amazing fighter.”
Aspinall vs. Jones: The Fight That Never Was?
Khabib also weighed in on the potential matchup between Jones and Tom Aspinall, the current heavyweight champion. He believes that even if the fight happens now, after Jones' brief retirement and subsequent return, it won't have the same impact. "So whether or not he should’ve fought Aspinall, that question will probably always be out there," Nurmagomedov said.
Furthermore, Khabib suggested that Jones' prime was already behind him before his move to heavyweight. He pointed to Jones' inactivity and controversial wins in his last light heavyweight fights as evidence. According to recent articles, Khabib believes that the UFC simply gave Jones money to fight Ciryl Gane, insinuating a lack of competitive drive.
Is Aspinall Now the Better Heavyweight?
Adding fuel to the fire, Khabib has even gone so far as to declare Tom Aspinall the best heavyweight in the world right now. This bold statement further diminishes Jones' standing in the current MMA landscape.
- Jones' Legacy: Undeniable talent tainted by controversy?
- Aspinall's Rise: Has he surpassed Jones as the top heavyweight?
- What Could Have Been: Will the Jones vs. Aspinall fight ever live up to the hype?
Only time will tell if Jones can reclaim his former glory and silence his critics. But for now, Khabib's comments have ignited a debate that will continue to rage among MMA fans.