Jon Jones says he, not Khabib Nurmagomedov, is the MMA GOAT: The fact that this is even a conversation is mind blowing to me
Jon Jones says fans need to remember that he is the greatest of all time in mixed martial arts, not Khabib Nurmagomedov.
By Oscar Willis-25 Oct 2020
Jon Jones is happy for Khabib Nurmagomedov and his win at UFC 254 — but he isn’t willing to let the Russian walk away with fans considering him the greatest.
After Nurmagomedov’s win over Justin Gaethje, the undefeated lightweight called for his name to be atop the pound-for-pound list come Tuesday when the new UFC rankings are revealed. Sitting at home in the United States, that apparently rankled former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who took to his social media to make an impassioned case as to why fans should consider him, not Nurmagomedov, the Greatest of All Time in mixed martial arts.
“15 world titles, numbers don’t lie,” Jones wrote. “Definitely a powerful moment, but my logic is definitely not clouded. I’m just going to ask for the heavyweight championship belt and see if they give it to me. Since we can just ask for things now. I’ve won 15 world titles, he just won his 4th. The fact that this is even a conversation is mine blowing to me. I ask why should he just be handed a goat status, people tell me I should just let him have his moment. “Unfortunately his moment” is associated with my life‘s work.
“I got signed by the UFC literally nine months after my very first MMA practice. Unheard of. When I signed with UFC I was one of the youngest fighters on the roster, youngest champion in the history of the sport and have only had three competitive fights. I understand most people have never been number one in their community, state, let alone the world. My competitive nature won’t allow me to just stand by and see someone ask to be considered the best. I’ve sacrificed too much blood.”
I ask why should he just be handed a goat status, people tell me I should just let him have his moment. “Unfortunately his moment” is associated with my life‘s work https://t.co/F4rRVE7wE4
when I signed with Ufc I was one of the youngest fighters on the roster, youngest champion in the history of the sport and have only had three competitive fights. https://t.co/kixnRfkQbR
The same Company who accused me of possible steroids vindicated me from it. If I just started fighting for titles four fights ago, I look like an absolute beast too. But OK, I guess you’re only worth your last performance in this game🥴 https://t.co/cwhb7BZX1J
I understand most people have never been number one in their community, state, let alone the world. My competitive nature won’t allow me to just stand by and see someone ask to be considered the best. I’ve sacrificed too much blood https://t.co/EmGRKpgmso
If we’re having a popularity contest, I’d gladly take my L. This shit has nothing to do with fame or being a good person. I’ve giving my whole adult life to this game, I owe it to myself to speak up.
The saddest thing about this situation is that the company is probably going to honor his request and demote me. It will be insulting but not much of a surprise. I’ll just use it as motivation