Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, and Islam Makhachev – these are surely the most daunting names in the UFC roster at the moment. And while all of them are champions at what they do, the battle for supremacy has been a controversial one. After enjoying a significant time as the top ranked pound for pound in the UFC, Jon Jones got displaced recently by Islam Makhachev. And while Dana White hails Jones as the GOAT, he had to give Makhachev his flowers.
Following the shift in dynamics, there has been much debate about who truly deserves the number one spot. Delving deep into the topic, renowned coach Javier Mendez chimed in with his justification of why Islam Makhachev is the fitting number one. Speaking with Hablemos MMA in Spanish, Mendez stated that Makhachev fought at least six times in the last four years, while Jones only fought twice.
“No, you need to fight more than that (for pound-for-pound best). If Islam were to do the same, I’d put Jon Jones at No. 1 – but he hasn’t fought (as much). If he had been active, then it’s a different conversation – but he’s barely fought. That why, that reason alone, I put Islam at No. 1,” Mendez stated.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s former coach also stated that there has been a difference in the quality of opponents both faced. While Makhachev faced prime fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier, Jones faced 42-year-old Stipe Miocic. Now, Mendez might be having some harsh words for Jones. However, in the most unexpected manner, Daniel Cormier recently heaped praises on his former rival.
Daniel Cormier Praises Jon Jones’ Longevity
Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones were fierce rivals back in the day. However, with time, it seems DC has let go of the hard feelings. In a recent reunion episode of the ‘DC & RC’ podcast, Cormier was astounded by how long Jones has managed to stretch his career. Ryan Clark, co-hosting the show with Cormier, stated that ‘Bones’ started his career against Chuck Lidell and Randy Couture. Surprisingly, he is still around when the UFC interim heavyweight title is being held by Tom Aspinall!
“How? How? How’s that possible?!” exclaimed Cormier.
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There are already rumors of Jon Jones hanging up his gloves shortly. However, according to Dana White, the UFC realm will be getting its much-awaited Jones vs. Aspinall clash this year. Thus, with excitement building, it remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.
Also Read: Merab Dvalishvili Feels Like Conor McGregor Or Jon Jones As He Addresses UFC Drama
