Examining Jon Jones` illustrious career in the UFC reveals a list of accomplishments that arguably cement his status as the greatest fighter of all time. However, his biography is also significantly marked by numerous controversies and issues away from the octagon.
Jones has faced a considerable number of legal problems throughout his career, ranging from a DWI arrest shortly after a major victory over Rashad Evans and a hit-and-run incident involving a pregnant woman, to allegations of domestic violence. Beyond legal entanglements, his history includes behavioral issues such as testing positive for cocaine mere weeks before his fight against Daniel Cormier.
Despite this pattern of behavior, fellow UFC veteran Matt Brown downplays the notion that Jones` many missteps should significantly impact the legacy he leaves behind following his retirement.
“We’re going to remember him as the greatest ever still,” Brown stated on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast. He suggested that the focus on these external issues comes primarily from “nitpickers and the hardcore people.” Brown emphasized that Jones competed in the cage for entertainment at an unparalleled level. While admitting he doesn`t condone Jones` actions outside fighting, asking, “do we really care?” in the context of his fighting prowess. He pointed out that many people engage in negative behavior, but Jones did so while remaining the world`s best fighter. Brown clarified that he talks about Jon Jones because of his fighting career, considering the outside issues “basically irrelevant” to his in-cage legacy.
While Brown argues against the impact on legacy, Jones` legal and behavioral issues did directly lead to significant periods of inactivity and consequences, including drug testing failures. Notably, a positive test prevented him from competing at UFC 200 and resulted in his knockout win over Cormier in their rematch being overturned to a no-contest.
Brown acknowledged that allegations of performance-enhancing drug use – which Jones has consistently denied – are perhaps the sole factor that might warrant an asterisk next to his career.
Regarding Jones` legal troubles affecting his fighting schedule, Brown contended that these issues ultimately did not prevent him from facing virtually every significant challenger during his prime, save for a potential late-career bout against Tom Aspinall.
“I don’t see where it got in his way that much,” Brown said. He elaborated that Jones defeated everyone who was a potential challenger, and there was no period where a top contender needed to fight Jones but couldn`t due to his issues, until perhaps the very end of his career when retirement was already anticipated.
Addressing the idea that Jones might have avoided a fight with Tom Aspinall, Brown emphatically dismissed the notion of “ducking.” He suggested Jones might simply not have been interested in taking on such a tough fight late in his career, but denied any cowardice.
While not minimizing the severity of Jones` personal issues, Brown, drawing on his own experiences, expressed astonishment that these troubles didn`t derail Jones` career more significantly.
He particularly marveled at the fact that Jones tested positive for cocaine shortly before his fight against Daniel Cormier in 2015, yet still delivered a decisive performance against an Olympic wrestler and elite fighter like Cormier.
Brown reflected, “I’ve seen less f*ck ups really f*ck up someone’s fight career.” He added that based on his own past experiences, he couldn`t fathom competing professionally, let alone against an opponent of Cormier`s caliber, after using cocaine. He concluded that Jon Jones possesses a unique ability, calling him a “special” individual.
Ultimately, opinions on Jon Jones and his legacy vary widely. However, Brown maintains his focus is solely on Jones` undeniable achievements within the UFC octagon.
Could Jones have ascended to an even more untouchable status if he hadn`t encountered these problems? Perhaps. He might have fought more frequently. Nevertheless, Brown believes Jones` career remains remarkably successful despite the disruptions.
“Had he not done all those things, yeah, he probably could have fought more often,” Brown speculated, suggesting Jones potentially could have achieved a 60-0 record by defeating every competitor in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions he competed in.
Brown concluded by highlighting Jones` impressive record of 14 title defenses and his undefeated streak, arguing that despite getting in his own way at times, he still achieved incredible dominance, questioning, “It’s like how much more greatness do we want out of the guy?”
