UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones recently teased his retirement after the Stipe Miocic fight. Since then, the MMA community has been buzzing with speculation about it. Most recently, UFC legend Chael Sonnen made an intriguing point about Jones’s legacy in the UFC. As such, the UFC Hall of Famer believes that the fight fans won’t have long memories of ‘Bones.’
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones has proven to be a tough opponent to beat. He boasts an impressive record with only one loss. However, he has only fought once since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. UFC legend Chael Sonnen has raised an interesting perspective on Jones’ inactivity after COVID-19. Not only that, he has also discussed its impact on the heavyweight champion’s fanbase.
Hardcore (fans) watched him. Jon’s only fought once since COVID…So, now you got this new base that if they tuned in and if they were fans enough and hardcore enough to buy a PPV, they have seen him just one time at a weight class he has never been. They are not overly guaranteed that they are going to recognize him.
Chael Sonnen on his official YouTube channel (Check from 8.25)
According to Chael Sonnen, the UFC has experienced significant growth in its fanbase during COVID. The UFC CEO Dana White himself revealed the increase is close to 65%. Sonnen believes that the new wave of fans might easily forget Jon Jones’s sports accomplishments due to his inactivity.
Jones has several achievements to his name. He became the youngest UFC champion at the age of 23, a record that has yet to be surpassed. Per Sonnen, the current fanbase hasn’t witnessed the pre-COVID period of the UFC. Jones’ only fight after the pandemic was against French MMA star Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC heavyweight title. Jones comfortably defeated Gane within round 1.
As a result, the new fanbase only saw a few minutes of the ‘GOAT’ fighting. However, fans might have another chance to see Jones fight again in November against Miocic. In the meantime, Sonnen claims that the MMA community might see Jones fighting again after November.
UFC Hall of Famer believes Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is imminent under one condition
Interim UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall has eyed the unification fight against Jones for a long time. Meanwhile, the heavyweight king has always declined the British fighter’s wish. Following Bones’ retirement announcement, Aspinall lost all his hopes for that fight. However, Sonnen thinks that the bout can still be materialized with certain outcomes from the Miocic vs. Jones fight.
Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones is still possible, claims UFC legend (Image via Imago)Like Jones, Stipe Miocic has also been inactive from the octagon. However, that doesn’t take away either of the heavyweight’s excellent MMA prowess. According to Chael Sonnen, Jones vs. Aspinall can happen under only one condition. Moreover, he believes ‘Bones’ might opt out of his retirement mindset.
I don’t believe there’s a scenario that Jon Jones does not fight Tom Aspinall… I know for sure if Jon loses to Stipe, Jon is going to draw right into Tom Aspinall and he’s not even going to flinch. In fact, it’s going to be Jon’s idea…
Chael Sonnen on his official YouTube channel (Check from 11:27)
Jones consistently dismissed the idea of fighting Aspinall, but Dana White always brought up the possibility. Meanwhile, Sonnen’s speculations are also intriguing. Following recent developments, all eyes might be on November’s highly anticipated legacy fight. Now, it remains to be seen what happens after that.
