There is no denying that if you’re listing the names for an MMA Mount Rushmore that is about the most talented and successful fighters we’ve seen in the sport, Jon Jones deserves a spot.
The current UFC heavyweight champion is arguably the greatest to ever do it but as is always the case with “Bones”, it’s not that simple.
Some will have reservations about putting Jones on this list due to the various controversies that have clouded his career.
This means that if you’re looking at MMA Mount Rushmore from the angle of fighters who have had the biggest impact – or if they’ve got a clean disciplinary record – there’s an argument to be made that he misses out.
‘Big’ John McCarthy Excludes Jon Jones From Mount Rushmore Due To Various Controversies
During a recent episode of the Weighing In podcast, veteran referee “Big” John McCarthy explained his approach to this debate.
He said that he prefers to look at this conversation in regards to impact on the sport rather than actual skill which in turn, makes him leave Jones out of the equation.
“I look at it different. If you want to say best fighters for Mount Rushmore, the best fighters there ever was, well Jon Jones is on it. If you’re going to say give me an MMA Mount Rushmore, the criteria for it is different than just best fighter and there’s things that, you know, have been done in the past that I go no, I can’t put you on that. Let’s just be honest.”
McCarthy believes that for all of Jones’ success, his headline-generating antics have had a negative impact on the sport during his career.
He said that this parameter would also disqualify Conor McGregor, despite the unmatched impact that he has had.
“I take a look at outside of the sport, Jon hasn’t been the greatest ambassador for the sport. He’s had more controversy than I can give him.”
Read also: Daniel Cormier On Jon Jones’ Likely Retirement: ‘There Is Work Left To Be Done’
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