UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is not the most popular fighter, especially among some of the organization's legends who are quick to criticize him.
Why does everyone hate Jon Jones? Last weekend, during UFC 309 (all results here), 'Bones' confirmed his status as champion by knocking out Stipe Miocic, the now retired legend, in the third round. A victory which earned him many compliments, but also some criticism.
Indeed, Jones admitted that he could continue his career in the cage, but that he does not wish to face the interim champion of the division, Tom Aspinall, unless the UFC gives him a big check. Jon Jones has expressed interest in only one opponent: light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. UFC legend Michael Bisping has sharply criticized 'Bones' tendency to favor matchups that are more stylistically advantageous to him.
Michael Bisping cash on the Jon Jones case
He compared that approach to that of Jake Paul, who is coming off a unanimous decision victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a high-profile fight on Netflix last Friday.
« My only problem, as a man, as a fighter, is that he says he has no obligation to face these young, hungry and dangerous fighters who have a real chance of beating him. ” Bisping said in his podcast Believe You Me. “I don’t understand that. This is what also bothers me about Jake Paul. »
« Fighting opponents that Jones knows he can beat… Alex Pereira, this is a matchup where he has an obvious path to victory. Jones just knocked Stipe down. He knocked Ciryl Gane down. He will put Alex Pereira down. But could he put Tom down? That's the question. This is the fight we want to see. »
Bisping still praised Jones' performance against Miocic, emphasizing that he could beat Aspinall: “ I always said I thought Tom could beat Jon, but watching Saturday night I thought: Jon looks massive. Jon looks fast. Jon looks like he can last five rounds if he wants or needs to. I think Jon would give him problems. I think it's a real fight that the world wants to see. »
Jon Jones remains an undisputed champion, but his choices continue to divide. Will he face Aspinall to prove that he really is the best? Only the future will tell us.
What do you think of Michael Bisping's words?
