Jon Jones has already drawn comparisons to Muhammad Ali at this stage of his career.
Jones has dominated the competition effortlessly and is already a world champion at a young age, much like the legendary boxer.
However, the 24-year-old took it one step further when he said during a UFC 145 conference call that he hopes to create his own legacy and become better than Ali.
“I’m a huge fan of Muhammad Ali but I don’t want to be him. I want to the best Jon Jones. I want to be better than Ali,” Jones said. “If I don’t become greater than Muhammad Ali, that’s my own fault. That’s why I train so hard.”
Certainly Jones’ dominance has put him in a separate class above the rest of the light heavyweight division, but it has been his current title reign that has suddenly turned him into one of the company’s brightest stars.
Jones’ recent photo shoot for UFC Magazine saw the UFC light heavyweight champion training underwater, reminiscent of Ali’s iconic photograph.
The photo has changed some fans’ perception of Jones and he is aware of the added pressure that comes along with being the champion at this stage in his career, and comparing himself to Ali.
“It adds more pressure (the Ali photo shoot) but I consider it fun. Ali had many flaws in the person that he was but I loved Muhammad Ali,” he said.
Jones isn’t likely to receive much praise after his comment about Ali, considering he has been somewhat of a polarizing figure thus far with some fans.
For someone who wants to be accepted and denies accusations of being arrogant and cocky, Jones’ current image has not been very convincing.
And setting the bar so high at only 24 years old tells us either Jones is destined for greater success in his career or he is just beginning to show his true colors.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com