Jon Anik argues that Jon Jones has surpassed other undefeated greats in combat sports.
UFC heavyweight champion Jones has one blemish on his professional MMA record – a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in a fight he was dominating. Jones, a former longtime UFC light heavyweight champion, has now also defended his heavyweight title when he finished Stipe Miocic by Round 3 TKO at UFC 309.
Although the likes of Joe Calzaghe and Floyd Mayweather finished their careers undefeated, Anik thinks Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) has tested himself more than the boxing greats.
“I think, with respect to Joe Calzaghe and Floyd Mayweather, that Jon Jones has already pushed himself beyond those guys,” Anik told MMA Junkie. “Even if people want to denigrate the Stipe win because it happened at 42 years of age, I don’t think there really is anything left for Jon Jones to accomplish. But there is financial gain to be had.”
Jones is currently receiving criticism for being unwilling to fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Jones argues that Aspinall adds nothing to his legacy, and Anik thinks money is the only thing Jones can gain from a risky fight against the Brit.
“What he wants like that $30-40-50 million dollar payday, which he so deserves at this time because in heavyweight MMA, anything can happen,” Anik said. “And certainly, in light heavyweight MMA anything can happen, but the consequences are so great when it comes to four-ounce gloves that these guys chuck.”
