Jon Jones has dubbed Islam Makhachev one of the greatest fighters in the world. The former heavyweight champion made this statement in a recent interview.
What happened?
Jones was asked about Makhachev's upcoming welterweight title defense against Ian Garry. He picked Makhachev as his favorite, noting it was hard to beat wrestlers.
Why it matters for Jon Jones
Jones has long maintained that he is the greatest MMA fighter of all time. However, his recent statement suggests he might be ready to share that distinction with Makhachev.
What comes next?
Fans are ecstatic about the development, with many taking to social media to react to Jones' praise for Makhachev. @KanyeMonye44778 wrote: "Goat recognizes goat."
Makhachev is a two-division UFC champion, having held both the lightweight and welterweight titles. He holds wins over the likes of Charles Oliveira, Jack Della Maddalena, and Alexander Volkanovski.
Jones has been highly territorial of the "GOAT" label in the past, often pushing back against claims that others belonged in the same conversation. His praise for Makhachev is a significant development in the UFC MMA scene.
Makhachev spoke out about Jones' retirement, saying he should have retired a couple of years ago. He also expressed disappointment that Jones chose retirement over a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall.
The UFC MMA community is abuzz with the news, with fans and pundits alike weighing in on Jones' statement. @Maithem61 commented: "Islam needs to defend the title two or three times so that even Jones can't argue against him."
Jones' legacy is still widely debated, with many considering him one of the greatest fighters in the world. His praise for Makhachev adds a new layer to the conversation, with fans eager to see how Makhachev will continue to perform in the UFC.
Makhachev's upcoming title defense against Ian Garry is highly anticipated, with many expecting him to emerge victorious. Jones' endorsement will likely add to the hype surrounding the fight.
The UFC MMA scene is always full of surprises, and Jones' statement is just the latest twist. As the sport continues to evolve, fans can expect more exciting developments and matchups in the future.
In 2025, Tom Aspinall was elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion after Jones chose retirement over a previously agreed-upon title unification. Makhachev's comments on Jones' retirement were telling, saying he did all he had to do in MMA.
The conversation around Jones and Makhachev will likely continue, with fans and pundits alike analyzing their statements and performances. For now, it's clear that Jones has a high level of respect for Makhachev's skills and achievements in the UFC MMA scene.