When discussing the potential UFC matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, former light heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer Rashad Evans admitted that a part of him secretly hopes the fight never actually happens.
Evans clarified that while he appreciates the excitement of the potential bout, he is keenly aware of the significant stakes for Jon Jones. Jones is widely considered the greatest fighter of all time, possessing a nearly perfect record with his single loss coming via disqualification. His career accomplishments place him in a truly unique and exceptional category.
Despite his personal interest as a fan in seeing the fight, Evans explained why he also recognizes the considerable potential downsides for Jones in such a confrontation.
Here’s the thing I’m kind of torn about it,
Evans told MMA Fighting. I feel like the part of me, the fan side of me definitely wants to see it. I want to see it for sure. But the other part of me who’s like very impressed with what Jon Jones is able to do, want to see him go out on top and not even have to [fight again].
He elaborated on his reasoning: Because there’s the thing about it, there’s always going to be somebody. He beats Tom Aspinall, people [will say] yeah, there’s this new guy. There’s always going to be that last dragon to vanquish.
Evans is conflicted, stating, Part of me can respect him for not taking the fight, but another part of me is just like man, you better step the f*ck up and beat this boy. I’m kind of mixed about it to be honest.
Part of Jon Jones`s publicly stated reluctance to face Aspinall has centered on the British heavyweight`s relatively shorter resume, alongside the concern that even a victory would immediately set him up against the *next* emerging challenger.
By nearly all objective measures, Jones has achieved more than enough in his career to retire comfortably with his legacy firmly secured. However, the question remains: how much could that legacy be altered by a defeat at this stage?
Evans pointed to the undeniable reality of aging as another factor in his reservations, acknowledging that even a fighter as seemingly invincible as Jones is not immune to the passage of time.
Here’s a thing that’s a sure thing — eventually time will get you,
Evans remarked. No matter who you are, Jon has been very blessed inside the octagon and he’s been able to really remain undefeated and look good doing it despite his close fights.
Using a metaphor, Evans added, But eventually, you hang in a barbershop long enough, you will get a haircut. You’re going to get clipped one time.
Based on this, Evans feels Jones has accomplished everything necessary. I’m on the page of you know what, you did it. Just chill out.
Evans noted that while he and Jones were once training partners and quite close during their time at Greg Jackson`s gym in New Mexico, he has not spoken with his former teammate for a considerable period.
This distance means Evans cannot speak directly to Jones`s current mindset regarding his fighting future or potential retirement. However, he understands the profound difficulty many athletes face when walking away from a sport that has become their primary identity.
I don’t know Jon Jones now and I don’t know if there’s a part of him that needs this in a way,
Evans commented. There’s sometimes that you can be in something for so long that it just becomes so much a part of who you are, rediscovering yourself in a different frame outside of it is maybe not something that you’re ready to explore and maybe not something you’re ready to give up.
He reiterated his lack of current insight into Jones`s thought process: I don’t know Jon Jones right now so I don’t know if that’s even a narrative that’s even in his concern.
Drawing from his own career, Evans shared his personal experience with retirement, describing the uncertainty he felt about his direction after hanging up his gloves, no longer primarily defined by fighting.
He explained that it took significant time and intense soul searching for him to find a new path and feel secure in his identity beyond the cage. Evans is unsure if Jones has contemplated this aspect as he considers the potential conclusion of his fighting career.
I went through hell,
Evans frankly admitted about his post-fighting transition. I went through literal hell just rediscovering who I was. A lot of questioning myself, questioning my decisions, reliving some painful memories and decisions that I made and just a lot of soul searching. Some people are not up for that.
He added the potential pitfalls for those who struggle: Some people find it hard to do that and they find themselves soothing themselves with some kind of habit that ends up being a deteriorating factor for them healthwise.
Evans concluded with a hopeful note for his former colleague: I just hope for him that he’s able to make that transition. Because the problems outside the octagon, they take on a different complexion when you are no longer a pay-per-view star.
