Dana White doesn’t tire of telling everyone and their grandma that Jon Jones is the GOAT of MMA. And many, if not most people, tend to agree with him. There, of course, are those who think Jones’ history of PED usage disqualifies him entirely from being the GOAT, but it is difficult to argue with the New Mexico resident’s achievements.

After all, ‘Bones’ is not only a two-division champion of the UFC but has never been beaten by another fighter (except an unfortunate DQ loss) and holds the record for most UFC title defenses. Not to mention his unprecedented dynamism and creativity in the octagon and the once-in-a-lifetime talent he possesses.

This is why you would not be surprised to see the reigning UFC heavyweight champ being called the Michael Jordan of MMA. Unless you are Daniel Cormier. ‘DC’, of course, is not only a former UFC double champion and legend but also Jones’ arch-rival, and took great exception to Kamaru Usman calling Jones the ‘MJ’ of MMA on his ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast. And so incensed was Cormier at this comparison that he even threatened to leave the interview!

The whole thing started when Usman said “Jon is at the level, as far as the UFC is concerned, Jon is at the level that Conor is at.” Which almost scared Cormier, who quickly interjected with: “I thought you were about to say Michael Jordan or some crazy s***t like that. I’m leaving man. If you would have said that I was leaving.”

But despite this threat, which ‘DC’ quite clearly made in jest, Usman was adamant. “To be honest, Jon is in a sense a Michael Jordan we have seen in MMA. You don’t think so?” Usman continued. ‘DC’ was clearly not a fan of this take, exclaiming ‘No he isn’t,” (jokingly) warning ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ yet again that “I’m about to leave. You done with the interview? Do you just want to be done?”

Usman, however, was incorrigible. The former welterweight champ defiantly told Cormier that with all the achievements Jones has in the octagon, “Jon is at that level,”  or if not quite there, “He’s not far from it.” However, some fear that ‘Bones’ may have taken a step back from ‘it’ by refusing to face Aspinall.

Aspinall ‘ducking’ accusations may taint Jon Jones’ legacy

Jon Jones seems to be dodging Tom Aspinall, despite the Englishman holding the interim heavyweight title—essentially the title Jones formally claims as his own. Aspinall has been challenging “Bones” at every opportunity, eager for a shot at the man many consider the greatest of all time. Yet, Jones remains fixated on fighting 42-year-old Stipe Miocic, a legend of the sport but clearly at the tail end of his career.

The scheduled bout between Jones and Miocic, set for UFC 309 this October at the iconic Madison Square Garden, has left fans scratching their heads. Outside of Jones, Miocic, and UFC CEO Dana White, few seem excited about the matchup. With both fighters expected to retire after the bout, many believe this is Jones’ way of avoiding a dangerous showdown with Aspinall.

Some fans suspect that Jones is steering clear of Aspinall because of the Englishman’s well-rounded, lethal skill set—making him a serious threat inside the octagon. Jones, of course, dismisses this, claiming that Aspinall simply isn’t worthy of the fight. But it’s hard to make that case when Aspinall is the interim champ, a title that arguably makes him the next-best heavyweight in the UFC after Jones himself. This decision to “duck” Aspinall, in the eyes of many, risks tarnishing Jones’ GOAT legacy if he bows out without facing the rising star.

What are your thoughts on the comparisons between Jon Jones and Michael Jordan? Could Jones’ legacy be tainted if he avoids Aspinall? Let us know what you think.