NEW YORK — Each November, the UFC stages a highly anticipated event at Madison Square Garden, often regarded as a contender for “card of the year.” These main event bouts contribute to the ongoing discussion among fans: Who holds the title for the “Greatest of All-Time” in the UFC?
Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, and Daniel Cormier are notable names who have all showcased their talents in the iconic New York venue and could be considered historical greats within the mixed martial arts realm.
As anticipation builds, the spotlight may soon shift to Jon Jones, who is set to make his long-awaited debut at Madison Square Garden during the heavyweight championship fight at UFC 309 this Saturday night.
“It’s an incredible honor to see your face featured prominently in Times Square,” Jones remarked, acknowledging the significance of participating in such a high-profile event.
However, he noted the ultimate reward lies in achieving victory in the octagon.
Jon Jones will defend his heavyweight title for the first time, having faced a significant delay due to a torn pectoral tendon incurred while training. His opponent in this matchup is the experienced two-time heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic.
After a lengthy rehabilitation period, the buildup culminates as both competitors prepare for their contest.
“I feel like everyone is invested in this fight,” Jones expressed.
At 37 years old, Jones has not competed since March 2023, where he made an impressive return from a three-year hiatus by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Miocic, at age 42, last appeared in the ring in March 2021, losing his title to Francis Ngannou at UFC 280.
Jones has a unique ability to draw a crowd, rivaled only by McGregor in terms of fanfare. During a recent media event in Manhattan, as other fighters spoke from the sidelines, cameras turned towards Jones the moment he took the podium. Sporting his UFC belt, he momentarily left the stage to grab a jacket, joking about the chilly atmosphere in the room.
The conversation shifted as Jones seemed unbothered by any potential future matches, particularly a possible fight against interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who has actively called for a title unification bout during Jones’ absence.
“We’ll see. What’s the incentive for me?” Jones queried regarding a fight with Aspinall.
Only briefly addressing the young contender with a sharp quip, Jones instead focused on discussing his legacy, exhibiting a demeanor shaped by his upbringing by a pastor and a nurse, contrasting with his tumultuous past filled with various controversies that have impacted his career.
His history includes several legal issues, such as doping suspensions, domestic violence charges, and a DUI incident. One of his notable wins against Cormier was later labeled a no-contest after a positive steroids test.
Cormier has weighed in on the “GOAT” debate, voicing that while Jones deserves recognition for this moment, his history brings complications to the discussion.
“It’s tough for me to endorse someone as the greatest when they have so much controversy surrounding them,” Cormier commented in a recent interview. “You can’t fail drug tests in this sport, so that complicates things.”
Despite his troubled past, Jones speaks candidly about regret while countering criticism with scripture, declaring, “I believe the man I am today is genuinely a solid human being.”
Jones’ remarkable achievements, however, bolster his argument as one of MMA’s greatest fighters. He became the youngest champion in UFC history at just 23 years old when he defeated Maurício Rua for the light heavyweight title. His only loss occurred due to a controversial disqualification and he holds records for most title defenses and longest win streak. He continued his accomplishments by winning his heavyweight debut against Gane.
Jones is likely his own strongest advocate in the debate over his legacy. “If I’m being considered in this conversation, then I should embrace it,” he asserted. “What I’ve achieved is something incredibly special.”
While he has hinted at possible retirement should he defeat Miocic, he has also expressed interest in facing light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in the future.
“Fighting Pereira is worth the risk for me,” he noted, emphasizing his desire to solidify his legacy further.
Defeating Miocic could enhance Jones’ status in the conversation surrounding the title of “GOAT,” sending Miocic back to Ohio with a painful loss.
Even his staunchest adversary acknowledges Jones’ remarkable talent within the sport.
“I’ve never faced anyone that surpassed Jon Jones,” Cormier admitted, reflecting on his career in the UFC.