Jon Jones stands as a titan in mixed martial arts, a fighter whose blend of creativity, athleticism, and tactical mastery has redefined dominance in the UFC. With a career spanning over a decade, "Bones" has dismantled legends, defended titles across two weight classes, and cemented himself as a perennial contender in the "greatest of all time" conversation. Yet, despite his near-flawless record and unparalleled résumé, debates about his legacy remain heated—fueled not just by his in-cage brilliance but by controversies that shadow his achievements.
Now, a voice from his past, a former rival and fellow champion, has weighed in with a perspective that cuts to the heart of the GOAT debate.
A rival’s reluctant praise: ‘You Don’t Get to Be Called the Greatest of All Time’
Daniel Cormier, a two-division UFC champion and Jon Jones’ fiercest adversary, recently shared his unfiltered thoughts on whether Jones deserves the GOAT title. The duo’s rivalry, spanning two explosive fights and years of personal animosity, adds weight to Cormier’s critique. While Cormier acknowledges Jones’ undeniable impact, he draws a line between greatness and integrity.
"You guys always [ask] that and honestly, you really can’t deny his greatness. Look at what he’s done. The guy has now fought; he really has fought through three generations of fighters. He fought that early generation with [Lyoto] Machida and them, he went through my generation, and now he’s fighting a whole another generation of guys."
Cormier’s acknowledgment of Jones’ longevity and adaptability is tempered by a sobering caveat. He argues that Jones’ repeated infractions—failed drug tests, suspensions, and legal troubles—taint his claim to the sport’s highest honor.
"So yeah, of course he’s one of the greatest fighters of all time. But when you do dirty s*, you don’t get to be called the greatest of all time," Cormier asserted.
In these remarks, Daniel Cormier captures the complexity of assessing greatness in the brutal world of combat sports. While he acknowledges the formidable list of achievements and the sheer level of competition Jon Jones has faced over his storied career, Cormier also points out that a fighter's legacy is not solely defined by victories or title defenses. His candid admission brings forth an important consideration: that the integrity of a champion, including behavior both inside and outside the arena, plays a crucial role in cementing a legacy as the best.