Jon Jones has spent his entire career proving doubters wrong. Whether it was dominating the light heavyweight division for over a decade or making a seamless transition to heavyweight, he has always found a way to stay ahead of the pack. Yet, no matter how much he accomplishes, the GOAT debate refuses to settle.

This time, it’s Stipe Miocic stirring the pot. Despite suffering a third-round TKO loss to Jones at UFC 309, the former two-time champion had an unexpected answer when recently asked who the best heavyweight in the world is. A hint? It’s not ‘Bones’ according to the Cleveland native!

Jon Jones left fuming after Stipe Miocic hands ‘best heavyweight’ crown to Francis Ngannou

Jon Jones is no stranger to the GOAT debate, but this time, it seems Stipe Miocic has added a fresh layer of fuel to the fire. In a recent interview with ‘The Schmo’, the former champion was asked who the best heavyweight in the world is. Miocic didn’t hesitate. His answer? Francis Ngannou.

‘Bones’s response? In a post shared on his Instagram story, the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion fired off with just two words, “Of course”. A sarcastic jab? A casual dismissal? Either way, Jones made sure his message was loud and clear.

Once upon a time, the MMA world dreamed of a champion vs. champion showdown between ‘The Predator’ and ‘Bones.’ But reportedly, UFC politics, pay disputes, and different career paths kept it from happening. In an interview with ‘Seconds Out’, Ngannou stated, “It’s been four years. That’s not my problem, I don’t care about it anymore. If it happens, yes, if it doesn’t, f— it.”

Ngannou has left the Octagon behind, trading in the UFC gloves for boxing rings and million-dollar paydays. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Tyson Fury, stepped in against Anthony Joshua, and most recently, knocked out Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut.

So, was Miocic picking him over Jones a way to show respect for Ngannou’s raw power and achievements? Or was it a subtle way of downplaying Jones’ dominance in their UFC 309 fight? Jones, who made quick work of Miocic, clearly didn’t appreciate the answer going by his response on social media.

With Miocic retired and Ngannou’s UFC chapter closed, Jon Jones is the only one still actively competing at the highest level in the division. But does that mean he’s already the GOAT? According to another former rival, there’s no denying his achievements, the ‘greatest of all time’ status shouldn’t apply to ‘Bones’!

Daniel Cormier refuses to acknowledge Jones as the ‘GOAT’ due to one crucial reason  

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier will likely never see eye to eye. Their rivalry—one of the fiercest in MMA history—was built on pure disdain, unforgettable battles, and controversy that refuses to fade. Even as Jones cements his place in heavyweight history, Cormier isn’t ready to crown him as the GOAT.

The former two-division champion made his stance crystal clear during a UFC 312 Q&A in Sydney. When asked if Jones is the greatest of all time, Cormier confessed, “You really can’t deny his greatness, right? Look at what he has done. The guy has really fought through three generations of fighter. He fought that early generation with (Lyoto) Machida and them. He went through my generation, and now he’s fighting a whole other generation of guys.”

But admiration only goes so far. When it comes to the GOAT debate, Cormier refuses to ignore the elephant in the room—Jones’ history with failed drug tests. But for the former ‘champ-champ’ greatness isn’t just about victories—it’s about how they’re earned.

He continued by further sharing, “So yeah, of course he’s one of the greatest fighters of all time. But when you do dirty s— , you don’t get to be called the greatest of all time.”

It’s a stance he’s held for years. Jones’ two failed drug tests remain a stain on his legacy, especially since one of those controversies directly impacted his rivalry with Cormier. So, Whether it’s Stipe Miocic dismissing his dominance in favor of Francis Ngannou or Daniel Cormier refusing to look past his controversies, ‘Bones’ remains a polarizing figure in the sport.

His sarcastic response to Miocic’s pick speaks volumes—Jones may not care about the opinions of his former rivals, but he certainly isn’t letting them go unchecked. But, what do you think? Is Jon Jones the greatest heavyweight fighter of all time? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!