Jon Jones continues to be a divisive figure within the MMA world.
Even with his success inside the cage, not everyone is convinced he belongs in that conversation.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach recently echoed those sentiments, pointing to Jones’ history of failed drug tests as a reason to exclude him from GOAT conversations. That view seems to have some traction among fans as well.
In a recent poll on Bloody Elbow, fans were asked about their views on Jones, and many seemed to agree with Mendez’s stance.
Fans weigh in on Jon Jones’ drug test failures in GOAT debate
Bloody Elbow recently reached out to fans as part of TalkingPoints, asking for their thoughts on how Jon Jones will be remembered and his impact on the sport. The feedback highlighted just how split opinions still are about the former two-division champion.
Dana White has called Jones the greatest ever, and some fans were quick to back that up:
“He’ll always be the GOAT in my eyes. Like I’ve said before, his only loss was an as whooping he gave.”
“The best fighter.”
“THE GOAT.”
But not everyone is swayed by his in-cage accomplishments alone. Others pointed to issues outside the Octagon:
“Great fighter, scumbag human.”
“Great fighter, terrible human being.”
The most common criticism of Jones focused on his failed drug tests, even though USADA found no evidence he’d used performance enhancers intentionally.
Jon Jones considering retirement again despite hopes for UFC return
Jones first stepped away from the sport after giving up his heavyweight title last summer, but he soon began hinting at a return.
He became interested after hearing about a potential event on the White House lawn and has been pushing to be included in this year’s national celebration ever since.
White has dismissed Jones’ hopes of returning, but that’s not the only thing standing in the way of his comeback. Following a conversation about his arthritis diagnosis being leaked, Jones told Helen Yee he might be finished with fighting altogether.
“I think I could be done,” Jones said. “I’m young enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world. I am healthy enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world, but I’ve always been used to competing with the best in the world.
“Maybe it’s just about doing it right and getting out at a really good time. I don’t wanna be one of these fighters that wins some and loses some, and can’t remember what your name is.”
“I met a fighter a few years ago, and he didn’t know what his birthday was. That’s a lot of fighting,” he continued. “I’m far from that, and I don’t wanna know what that looks like.”
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