Ex-champ Khabib Nurmagomedov chronicles Jon Jones’ UFC profession with one theme
Khabib Nurmagomedov has peeled the curtain relating to Jon Jones’ UFC profession. A teammate of Jones’ ex-rival Daniel Cormier, Nurmagomedov towed a superb line between respect and recognizing greatness when he sees it.
Throughout an episode of “Hustle Present,” Nurmagomedov mentioned Jones deserves all of the credit score for what he has executed contained in the Octagon, however relating to his legacy, it must be marked by what might have been. With out giving specifics, Nurmagomedov mentioned Jones’ resume must be break up between private {and professional} opinions.
“I don’t wish to ask these questions, as a result of I don’t wish to choose him, to say he’s good or unhealthy. As an athlete, he reached greatness,” Nurmagomedov mentioned by way of translation. “And to me, as somebody who additionally fought within the UFC, he has no equal. There’ll at all times be questions on doping, whether or not he was caught or not. And sure, he was caught. It’s a truth, what, like thrice? However as a fighter, he’s a tremendous fighter.”
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Jones has teased a attainable UFC comeback after having briefly retired final month. However, Nurmagomedov mentioned, if he have been to return to combat Tom Aspinall, the combat would have misplaced its luster versus if it had occurred sooner or later this yr. The talk over who would have received will nonetheless stay undecided.
“So whether or not or not he ought to’ve fought Aspinall, that query will in all probability at all times be on the market,” Nurmagomedov mentioned.
Nurmagomedov says Aspinall will probably be linked to Jones ceaselessly, regardless in the event that they combat or not.
“However that’s one query,” Nurmagomedov added. “One other is when Aspinall completes his profession and Jon Jones finishes his solely then will folks perceive their ranges. Then we’ll actually be capable of examine. For Aspinall to succeed in Jones’ stage, his legacy, that’ll be extraordinarily laborious. Very tough.”
Both means, Jones’ legacy is a matter of opinion.
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