A former UFC star has taken a shot at the reigning heavyweight world champion Jon Jones, suggesting that he should no longer be pitted against the elite fighters in the Octagon. Jones has long been hailed as one of the most dominant competitors in the UFC, having enjoyed a storied and illustrious MMA career.
Beyond his reign as the heavyweight champion, he also claimed the Light Heavyweight title, making him one of the select few to secure world titles in two distinct weight classes. Lately, however, his legacy has been questioned by some of his contemporaries, sparking heated debate within the community.
Jon Jones' candid critique: A no-holds-barred message for Bones
In a recent interview, Marc Diakiese, a former UFC fighter now making waves in the PFL, didn’t hold back when addressing Jon Jones’s future in the sport. His frank commentary comes on the heels of Jones’s dominant performances and serves as a wake-up call to a fighter who has already conquered nearly every challenge thrown his way. Diakiese’s straightforward words left little room for ambiguity. He stated,
"For me, what Jon Jones has achieved and what he has done, I think he should just walk away. Tom Aspinall is young and fresh, he’s hungry. Jon Jones has done it all. He doesn’t need to be facing guys that are young and hungry at that level," he said. "He’s done everything… he’s fought all the top guys you could possibly think of like Rampage (Jackson), Lyoto (Machida), all the top guys. He’s fought them, so he doesn’t need to prove anything, he can just retire. He’s got the heavyweight belt… leave it! If it was me and I was fighting him, I’d make sure I was getting paid big money before I leave."
Diakiese’s remarks have ignited conversations among fans and analysts alike. Many appreciate the candid tone, viewing it as both tough love and an honest assessment of a career that appears to have reached its zenith. While Jones’s record and accolades speak volumes about his impact on MMA, Diakiese’s critique forces us to consider whether continuing to face up-and-coming talents is the best way to preserve a legacy already cemented in history.
Critics argue that legends such as Jones should choose to exit the sport on a high note, rather than risk diluting their illustrious careers by repeatedly stepping into the cage with younger, hungry challengers. This perspective also underscores the natural evolution of combat sports, where emerging fighters deserve their moment in the spotlight. As new talents like Tom Aspinall gain momentum, the debate over when a fighter should retire intensifies.
Whether or not Jon Jones will heed this advice remains to be seen. His monumental contributions to MMA are undeniable, yet voices like Diakiese’s add a refreshing—and controversial—dimension to the discussion about career longevity in the Octagon. The dialogue continues, inviting fans to weigh in on whether even the greatest should eventually hang up their gloves.