Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
The only person who has an issue with Khabib being dubbed the new P4P #1 fighter is the old P4P #1 fighter.
Jon Jones has a reputation for popping up on social media whenever there’s a big UFC event to trash talk his past opponents and steal the spotlight from competing fighters. And he lived up to that reputation on Saturday night at UFC 254, flipping out after Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in the cage at 29-0 with a request to be acknowledged as the pound for pound #1 fighter in the world.
Given Khabib’s recent run and the dominance he’s displayed, it’s not an unreasonable ask. Unless you happen to be Jon Jones, who currently sits in the #1 P4P spot in the UFC rankings.
Jones’ last two fights have been razor thin decisions in his favor … his last win against Reyes largely considered a gift from the judges. His position at the top of the P4P rankings has more to do with his overall accomplishments than the past three years, but he is apparently not happy Khabib may snag the spot for a month or two before retirement removes him from the rankings completely.
Things started off classy, I guess.
Until I take that heavily crown, I grant you the spot. Enjoy Champ
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
But then a little salty.
15 world titles, numbers don’t lie.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
Then God bless…
I want to congratulate Khabib for an outstanding career. I know he made his father along with millions of fans around the world incredibly proud today. May God continue to bless him on his journey.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
Then the full flip.
Definitely a powerful moment, but my logic is definitely not clouded.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
I’m just going to ask for the heavyweight championship belt and see if they give it to me. Since we can just ask for things now ???
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
I’ve won 15 world titles, he just won his 4th. The fact that this is even a conversation is mine blowing to me. https://t.co/DiJQ4X5vjl
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
The same Company who accused me of possible steroids vindicated me from it. If I just started fighting for titles four fights ago, I look like an absolute beast too. But OK, I guess you’re only worth your last performance in this game https://t.co/cwhb7BZX1J
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
I got signed by the UFC literally nine months after my very first MMA practice. Unheard of
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
when I signed with Ufc I was one of the youngest fighters on the roster, youngest champion in the history of the sport and have only had three competitive fights. https://t.co/kixnRfkQbR
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
I understand most people have never been number one in their community, state, let alone the world. My competitive nature won’t allow me to just stand by and see someone ask to be considered the best. I’ve sacrificed too much blood https://t.co/EmGRKpgmso
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
I mean if I get out ranked by a man with only three title defenses, I don’t really know what to think anymore https://t.co/eQejGlRd1r
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
Bro when you’re black in America, so many things don’t add up. I’m just calling it how it is. Have to work four times harder https://t.co/3Xwb2FEXQT
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
When people hang onto the alligation and completely undermines the vindication. ??? Just don’t want to give credit where it’s due. https://t.co/QPMo3c9GLE
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
Yet people want me to stay quiet and let him have his moment while I just sit back and watch my hard work get moved down the rankings. It’s not fair to my family, or the team of people who have sacrificed to get me this far https://t.co/0IeojszXvm
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
Over 50% of my career have been title fights. LeBron James is allowed to win a game by one point but not Jon Jones. Man I have really spoiled you guys https://t.co/vz4lGh0ESJ
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
If we’re having a popularity contest, I’d gladly take my L. This shit has nothing to do with fame or being a good person. I’ve giving my whole adult life to this game, I owe it to myself to speak up.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
Not salty at all, I really do respect Khabib, I honor the type of man he is. But being the best is earned not given. Unfortunately four title fights aint it, no matter how much we all like em https://t.co/eDr454nsTa
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2020
What do you think, Maniacs? Does Jones have a point? Is he arguing G.O.A.T. status rather than current pound for pound rankings? Or is he just being the Jon Jones everyone loves to hate, keeping his name in the headlines as he prepares for a heel run at heavyweight?