Jon Jones Retires: GOAT Status Secured or Overrated Legacy?
Yo, the big question everyone’s asking now that Jon Jones has officially hung up the gloves: Is he the greatest of all time? The GOAT? It’s a tough one. Part of me wants to say no, but then I start thinking about his career, and it’s hard not to see the argument for him being exactly that.
Let’s look at his rise. For the most part, he’s been undefeated throughout his entire career, barring a few DQs and suspensions. That run from 2008 to 2015? Unbelievable. He was taking down the best of the best at 205, back when that division was at its peak. Beating guys like Rashad Evans and Shogun, who at the time seemed unbeatable. He didn’t just beat them; he broke them. And, let’s be real, their careers were never quite the same after facing Jones.
When you consider what Jon Jones accomplished, and for how long, it’s hard not to make a case for him being the GOAT. Personally, I’ve always been biased towards GSP because he stayed clean and out of trouble, which makes it easier to justify his claim. But if you’re trying to be objective, Jones dominated at 205, moved up to heavyweight, and even beat Daniel Cormier, who was considered his biggest challenge, especially when it came to wrestling. It’s hard to deny his greatness.
He’s probably the number one pound-for-pound light heavyweight of all time, even with his later ventures into heavyweight. Can you separate the controversies from the achievements? It’s tricky. But objectively, I think you have to give him the nod. It’s a little sad to see his career end, but leaving on his own terms is better than going out with your body flat on the canvas, like so many other fighters who don’t realize when it’s time to stop. So, no shade to Jones on that.
Now, the later part of his career does come with question marks. He didn’t always fight the guys we wanted him to fight, and the Aspinall fight falling through is a major what-if. But looking at his career as a whole, he delivered when it mattered most. So, reluctantly, I’m going to give him the GOAT title. Jon Jones, great career, great fighter. I’m glad I got to see almost all of his fights live on pay-per-view (you know what I mean!). What do you guys think? GOAT or overrated? Let me know!
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