The fighting world has seen many legends, but few have dominated like Jon Jones. His latest comments about retirement have sparked quite a debate in the MMA community. As he prepares for his heavyweight showdown with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, ‘Bones’ opened up about why he’s choosing to be selective with his remaining fights.
In a candid interview with ESPN MMA, Jones compared himself to basketball legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, but with a crucial difference. While those icons could afford to lose games late in their careers, fighters face a much darker reality.
“You know you’ve seen Jordan lose you see LeBron lose. As an MMA fighter man when you have been able to do such a thing, the gamble is a lot greater. It becomes more and more great. We’re also risking our brain cells, right?“
Jon Jones spoke openly about the very real dangers of the profession, especially when most try to maintain that invincible warrior image. The heavyweight champion wants to set a new precedent in combat sports, one where athletes don’t have to get “chewed up and spit out” by the industry.
After dominating for so long, Jones believes he has earned the right to choose his final opponents carefully. He seems ready to cash in his chips while he’s still ahead, both in terms of his legacy and health. And no one can blame him for that.
Jon Jones Dismisses Tom Aspinall In Favor Of Alex Pereira
Since his early days as the youngest UFC champion, Jones has built a reputation for making unexpected moves that leave fans scratching their heads. Recently, he stirred the pot again in classic Jones fashion. While gearing up for his heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, Jones dropped quite the bombshell.
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Rather than focusing on Tom Aspinall, the current interim heavyweight champ, Jon Jones is eyeing a completely different prize. He has his sights set on a potential showdown with Alex Pereira for the BMF title.
“It’d be cool to fight over the heavyweight championship. But I would also willingly give up the heavyweight championship….Fighting Pereira for the BMF belt, that would be cool,” said Jones via Aaron Bronsteter.
Jon Jones is basically saying he would happily give up the heavyweight crown after the Miocic fight to chase Pereira instead. The fighting community isn’t taking this news lying down. But, ‘Bones’ doesn’t care.
Also Read: Jon Jones Goes After #2 Light Heavyweight Contender After His Support For Tom Aspinall
