Jones: Two fights and I am the GOAT, moving to heavyweight
Jon Jones: “As far as being the greatest of all time, I think me beating Alexander Gustafsson and Daniel Cormier — how do you argue that?”
On Monday UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones said he is two fights away from being the GOAT, and moving up to heavyweight. One of the two fights takes place Jan 3, vs. Daniel Cormier. The other is rematch with Alexander Gustafsson.
Make every story count.
Join XP Passport to earn XP as you read and build your martial arts profile.
“I’m right around the corner,” said Jones as transcribed by Brett Okamoto for ESPN. “I need to finish the race, and the race, for me, is [Cormier] and Alexander.
“As far as being the greatest of all time, I think me beating Gustafsson and DC — how do you argue that? The argument is just gone, you know what I mean? I do believe I have the best résumé in the sport’s history. I don’t think anyone has beaten as many champions as I have. To go on what I’ve already done and beat DC and Gustafsson? I just think no matter who your favorite is, you can’t deny I’m the best in the game.”
“I consider [the Gustafsson] fight a win, but it’s not a win to others. Me beating Gustafsson and DC would be, ‘OK, this dude beat the baddest dudes of the last 10 years. He’s beat them all.’
“There’s always going to be a new guy, right? You beat DC, Gustafsson — now there’s Anthony [Johnson]. Everybody wants to see me against Anthony. But I mean, after those two [Cormier and Gustafsson], I would consider the division cleared.”
“Those two fights and I would consider the division cleared and that’s when you entertain superfights. I’ve been training with heavyweights for years now. I know I would do really good against them, and that would be the next chapter.”
“[Velasquez] would be a hell of a fight, man. It would be a fight of my life. That’s what it’s about, though. I’ve been in one of those fights where I’m bleeding and I’m exhausted and it’s not fun to be a part of. The Gustafsson fight — not fun. I’d be willing to do that for the right champion, though, and the fans.”
More coverage
UFC Vegas 123 preview: Moicano and Nolan headline a Halloween card where the main event odds have already flipped, and Julian Erosa fights for the last time
Four straight losses, a split from City Kickboxing, and a promise of blood in the sand. The former two-time middleweight champion says he has his motivation back.
