Undefeated former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov recently shared profound admiration for fellow fighting icon Jon Jones. While Khabib himself is frequently mentioned in debates about the greatest fighters of all time, he unequivocally stated that Jon Jones is the best competitor “in UFC history” following Jones`s retirement announcement.
Nurmagomedov paid tribute to Jones, saying:
“My congratulations, legend. Even we was not friends but you are the best who ever do it in UFC history and you inspire millions of people around the world. You have nothing more to prove in this sport.”
Both Nurmagomedov and Jones concluded their respective MMA careers without suffering a legitimate defeat inside the octagon. Khabib retired with a flawless 29-0 record in 2020, having successfully defended his lightweight title four times. Jones finished his career at 28-1 (1 NC), with his sole blemish being a disqualification loss for illegal downward elbows during a 2009 bout against Matt Hamill.
Jones quickly rose to superstardom at the age of 23 by defeating Mauricio Rua to capture the light heavyweight title, becoming the youngest champion in UFC history—a record he still holds. He successfully defended the title 11 times. After a hiatus from 2020 to 2023, Jones moved up to the heavyweight division and became a two-division champion by claiming the vacant belt against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
However, Jones`s career has been marked by significant issues outside the cage. His first reign as light heavyweight champion ended when he was stripped of the title following a hit-and-run conviction in April 2015. Although he later regained the belt by defeating Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, that victory was overturned after Jones tested positive for banned substances.
The 37-year-old fighter has also faced multiple DWI charges and was charged with domestic battery in September 2021. Even his retirement announcement was overshadowed by reports the same evening that Jones had recently been charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
