UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones says he’s just two wins away from being considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time—which is when he’ll make the move to heavyweight.
In an interview with Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com, “Bones” said that victories over Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson should solidify his position in the sport once and for all.
As far as being the greatest of all time, I think me beating Gustafsson and DC — how do you argue that? The argument is just gone, you know what I mean? I do believe I have the best résumé in the sport’s history. I don’t think anyone has beaten as many [former] champions as I have. To go on what I’ve already done and beat DC and Gustafsson? I just think no matter who your favorite is, you can’t deny I’m the best in the game.
Furthermore, Jones said he’d consider the UFC’s 205-pound division “cleared” at that point and move to heavyweight though he acknowledged that fight fans are clamoring for him to square off with surging contender Anthony Johnson as well.
One of the best pure athletes—coupled with one of the most unpredictable styles—in the sport, Jones’ ledger is already a solid one at 27 years old.
Dating back to March 2010, Jones has won 11 straight fights that include consecutive victories over ex-UFC champs Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort.
The UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighter, according to its official rankings, is often regarded as being unbeaten inside the cage since his only loss, which was to Matt Hamill, was a disqualification for using “12-to-6” elbows.
Prior to the DQ, Jones was winning the December 2009 encounter handily and looked well on his way to a stoppage victory.
His next title defense, looking to make it eight in a row, will be a grudge match against Cormier, which headlines UFC 182 on January 3.
If Jones knocks off Cormier and Gustafsson, would he be generally viewed as the greatest of all time in the fight community?
John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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