Jon Jones has cemented himself as one of the most dominant forces in UFC history. From ruling the light heavyweight division to making his mark in the heavyweight category, the 37-year-old boasts a near-flawless record of 28-1-0, with his sole loss resulting from a disqualification. Over his illustrious career, Jones has earned respect from fighters and fans alike, securing his place as one of the greatest in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Recently, a light heavyweight fighter expressed his admiration for Jones, calling him the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. In doing so, he dismissed reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, who holds an impressive record of 27-1-0 and is widely regarded as one of the top UFC athletes.
“I Still Think It’s Jon Jones,” says the fighter
Anthony Smith, a prominent light heavyweight competitor, recently shared his thoughts on the debate surrounding the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Smith emphasized that Jones deserves the top spot, despite UFC CEO Dana White’s endorsement of Islam Makhachev after his recent victory.
Smith explained, "It’s really the body of work over a long period of time. I know that his inactivity is hurting him, though. The amount of time that he’s ran out there and done it is damaging to the pound-for-pound conversation. But he’s gone through three different generations of fighters and has continued to win."
While acknowledging Makhachev’s success, Smith pointed out Jones’ longevity and undefeated streak, saying, “Islam has taken a legitimate loss and Jon Jones hasn’t. I think you take them all and put them in a room, Jon Jones comes out.”
The debate rages on
Makhachev’s recent title defense showcased his skill, further solidifying his place as one of UFC’s best. However, Jones’ unmatched consistency over three generations of fighters and his ability to remain undefeated in legitimate contests make him a compelling choice for the top pound-for-pound fighter.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain: both Jones and Islam Makhachev are remarkable athletes who have raised the bar in MMA. Whether it’s Jones’ long-term dominance or Makhachev’s recent surge, the discussion highlights the depth of talent in the UFC today.