With all of us on the edge of our seats, two colossal showdowns are about to unfold in less than a week. The ever-unpredictable Jake Paul is set to face none other than the legendary Mike Tyson in a high-stakes boxing match, while the UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones gears up to defend his title against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. But are these matchups all that’s on fans’ minds?

Ahead of these high-stakes matchups, a playful video of Jon Jones and Tyson resurfaced on Instagram, showing the two legends engaging in a friendly street spar. The video itself shows Tyson and Jones exchanging laughs and sparring lightly, with Tyson, now nearing his 60s in less than two years, wrapping Jones in a playful hug from behind.

However, fans have been quick to turn this light-hearted moment into fuel for the rumor mill. While this video could have been taken either way, the spotlight seems to be harsher on Jones. Is it respect, or perhaps a hint of fear when it comes to Tyson?

With UFC 309 on the horizon, Jones’ actions, whether inside or outside the Octagon have been closely watched. The friendly encounter between Tyson and Jones, however, has raised a serious question: is it fair to scrutinize every interaction like this one so deeply? Well, there is one unspoken rule on the internet, and that no one is free from scrutiny and everyone is fair game. Let’s see what fans had to say about Jones’ exchange with Tyson.

Fans react to Jones’s resurfaced clip featuring Mike Tyson

Fans were quick to turn the silly exchange into a critique of Jones’s career choices, with one own fan sarcastically remarking, “Jon Jones would rather fight a 60-year-old Iron Mike than defend his title against Aspinall.” Many took this as a chance to dig into Jones, suggesting he might be sidestepping a real challenge with Tom Aspinall, the UFC’s interim heavyweight champion.

“If Aspinall is a ‘nobody,’ then it should be easy for Bones, right?” was a question posed by a fan doubting Jones. Pointing out Jones’ preference of Stipe Miocic or Alex Pereira over Aspinall, one fan wrote, “Easy work doesn’t equal legacy.” For some, Aspinall’s credibility is unquestionable, with a fan stating, “Cleared out the heavyweight division, current interim champion. You’d be a casual if you didn’t know who he was.” Others, however, threw doubt on whether Aspinall’s name even registers on Jones’ radar, claiming, “Alex still would make more sense to him than Aspinall.”

Couple of fans did take the video as it is, one fan humorously took a stance on the clip itself, “I’m taking Tyson over Jones on this fight.” Another lighthearted comment pointed out that Mike Tyson is “The only guy who can hug Jon Jones from the back like that.” While we see that the opinions are split as ever among MMA fans, torn between speculation, and rooting for their respective contenders, the real doubt is, whether Jones is for real, avoiding Aspinall or is he just enjoying his time as a champion with his legendary friends.

Amidst the chaos, Jones addressed the “ducking” speculation directly on X, clarifying his stance. “As at this point in my career, every decision is rooted in purpose. My journey isn’t dedicated to hype or outside opinions- it’s about crafting a legacy that speaks for itself, one step at a time. I’m here to do what’s right for my career and my legacy, with a vision that’s clear and unshakeable.” For Jones, it’s a matter of legacy over hype, though fans seem unconvinced.

So, we have a clear sense of where these legends stand and what to expect regarding their intentions and relationships. This friendly moment with Tyson, no matter how innocuous, has fueled a passionate debate. After all, no matter the chaos or speculation outside the octagon, the truth will unfold once these fights go down. What’s your take on these two upcoming matchups? Let us know in the comments below!