UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the most decorated fighters in the organization. However, his illustrious career has been marred by some darker chapters. Recently, rising UFC fighter Magomed Ankalaev took a jab at Jones’s dark past ahead of his upcoming fight this weekend.
Jon Jones is currently scheduled to fight Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Interestingly, some individuals, including Magomed Ankalaev, have expressed concerns about this matchup. They believe interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall should face Jones instead of Miocic. Recently, the UFC heavyweight champion took the time to respond to Ankalaev’s criticism regarding this fight.
Magomed (Ankalaev) jealousy won’t earn you legend status, my friend. Train harder, hate less. Want to truly insult me? Break some records first. Let’s get started.
Jon Jones via X (@JonnyBones)
The UFC heavyweight champion seemed to have some advice for the UFC light heavyweight contender. Jones suggested that Ankalaev should focus on achieving success in the promotion before commenting on others. In response, the Dagestani fighter ridiculed the UFC heavyweight champion’s remarks. A few hours later, he even posted a tweet implying that he was making fun of Jones’s history of drug use.
Magomed jealousy won’t earn you legend status, my friend. Train harder, hate less. Want to truly insult me? Break some of my records first. Let’s get started.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 11, 2024
— neilchelsforev (@nilaavrg18) November 11, 2024
Interestingly, Jones’ history with drug use dates back to his peak UFC career. Although he is considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, he has faced intense scrutiny for his past with drug use and PEDs. Moreover, this is not the first time that Ankalaev has commented on the UFC heavyweight champion.
When Magomed Ankalaev wanted to replace Stipe Miocic and fight Jon Jones
Jon Jones is a veteran of MMA who joined the UFC in 2008. Remarkably, he has been defeated only once, and that was by disqualification in 2009. Throughout his illustrious UFC career, Bones has defeated numerous formidable opponents. Because of his impressive record, he is frequently regarded as one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC. However, Magomed Ankalaev does not share this view.
Ankalaev is one of the top fighters from Dagestan competing in the UFC. As such, he currently has only one defeat in his name in the promotion. Because of this, his confidence is very high. In fact, Ankalaev once stated that he could easily defeat the reigning UFC heavyweight champion in a potential fight.
@ChaelSonnen you are right I am the best striker in the light heavy with (weight) division. If Jon Jones opponent got injured. I will fight him also and I will beat him.
Magomed Ankalaev in a now-deleted tweet on X
Magomed Ankalaev believes he could step in on short notice and beat Jon Jones if Stipe Miocic got injured 😳
“I am the best striker in the [lightheavyweight] division.”#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/CLzXtrt9X2
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 8, 2024
Amid his newly intensified rivalry with Jones, Ankalaev is also engaged in an ongoing back-and-forth with the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. Several reports suggest that Ankalaev and Pereira may fight each other soon. Meanwhile, Jones is focused on his upcoming heavyweight title defense against Miocic this weekend.
