Jon Jones is widely regarded as the greatest fighter in martial arts history. ‘Bones’ has had only one fight so far at the 265-pound mark and is contemplating a big legacy bowout. However, his legacy won’t suddenly be in doubt if he retires without facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Veteran Matt Brown alludes to the example of Georges St-Pierre to bolster just this claim.
Brown has long argued that Jones has the right to make the calls, having spent most of the past 16 years outclassing all. Jon Jones returned to win heavyweight gold vs. Ciryl Gane in March 2023. However, he has been on a long layoff nursing a pectoral tear. Brown understands Tom Aspinall’s desire for this unification bout. However, he says the narrative of Jones somehow ducking won’t last long enough.
The fact is, it will be forgotten, …No matter what Tom does. If Jon retires after he beats Stipe, we’re in the age of news is news for a day. Maybe for a day or two, there will be some people on Reddit saying Jon was scared of Tom or whatever. By next week or whatever … he’ll still be the greatest ever. They’re just going to talk a little bit of silly stuff…and it will be completely forgotten. Just like [Georges St-Pierre]…
Matt Brown on ‘The Fighter vs. The Writer’ to Damon Martin for MMAFighting on SBN
Jones’ return is projected toward November at UFC 309 in New York. Meanwhile, the Brit has ratcheted up many attempts to bait him in. Aspinall even made a rare defense of the 265-pound interim strap at the Manchester UFC 304 PPV card. While the circumstances aren’t the same, GSP returned from a lengthy layoff vs. Michael Bisping in 2017 to become UFC middleweight champ.
There were immediate expectations Georges St-Pierre would then fight interim champion Robert Whittaker, but he didn’t. Instead, just 34 days after defeating Bisping, St-Pierre relinquished the title for health reasons. Despite not unifying the belts, the welterweight G.O.A.T. and his legacy remain intact. Brown uses the GSP narrative to explain Jones’ monologue about legacy fighting.
Matt Brown chimes in on Jon Jones’ legacy goals
Aspinall can certainly continue to push for the fight with Jones. As he continues to call himself the real UFC heavyweight champion, it will only raise his profile in the UFC. Tom Aspinall has been an indomitable fighter template with more heavyweight ballot appearances than his rival. ‘Bones’ has the stats and the running in the game to be an absolute G.O.A.T, but not at heavyweight.
Jon Jones wants to be the best ever to do it in MMA (Source: heavy.com)UFC CEO Dana White vehemently questions not considering an all-around MMA fighter like ‘Bones’ as No. 1 pound-for-pound. However, even industry veterans like Georges St-Pierre himself consider Islam Makhachev to rank above others with more active appearances. On that ground, the English heavyweight Aspinall could even argue that he’s already the UFC’s best heavyweight.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t remember Jon ever saying, ‘I’m out here now to try to be the greatest heavyweight,’ …He’s like, ‘I’m the greatest fighter, I got that in the bag. I’m the greatest fighter of all-time. I’m going to fight a couple heavyweight fights. Yeah, I might be a little bit picky about who I fight. I’m the greatest fighter of all-time, bitch. I get to pick my fights now.’
Matt Brown further said to MMAFighting on SBN
However, ‘The Immortal’ points out that Jon Jones never set out to be the “best heavyweight.” Much like 170-pound standout GSP, who just wanted to prove that he could do the same feats at 185 as well, at least for once. Despite Tom Aspinall asking for it, Jones has long reiterated that the options are open. Yet, he might retire with a legacy payout if he can get past the best HW to do it – Stipe Miocic. Hence, Brown believes Jones isn’t ducking.
