You know you’re the best in the sport when the UFC head honcho bestows that accolade on you. But to be recognized by a fellow certified legend? A champion who’s been in there in the deep end, taking out opponent after opponent, and solidifying their legacy as one of the greatest? That’s a different kind of validation. While many refuse to ‘Bones’ the time of day because of his infractions outside the Octagon, Georges St-Pierre has a different opinion on the heavyweight champion.

While GSP definitely qualifies as one of the greatest, ‘Rush’ has his own favorite, and it’s none other than Jon Jones. During one of his conversations on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, St-Pierre was again asked for his opinion on who is MMA’s greatest. However, this time he didn’t shy away from praising the UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion.

While speaking on the show the former UFC champion said, “I think it’s hard to find someone better than Jon Jones. Jon Jones is extremely talented but he is also extremely tough. People have no idea how tough he is. Jon Jones is the full package. He’s got everything. It’s hard to have an argument [against him].” The mutual respect between both fighters was pretty evident after Jones shared the comments on his Instagram story. However, he also took out time to appreciate the praise he received from ‘GSP’ with a caption that read, “An honor” 

Jon Jones has dominated some of the sport’s biggest names at their peak, boasting victories over nine former UFC champions. What makes Jones truly exceptional is his ability to dominate his opponents in every aspect of the fight game. Whether it’s striking, wrestling, or grappling, he has consistently outclassed some of the most dangerous fighters in the world. Of course, his legacy isn’t without controversy. Legal troubles and multiple failed drug tests have clouded his achievements for some. So is Jon Jones really the greatest of all time?

Is Jon Jones really the “Greatest Of All Time” in MMA?

It’s no surprise that many including Dana White, consider Jon Jones the greatest MMA fighter of all time—and the argument is hard to deny. In the UFC, where the best fighters constantly face each other, staying virtually undefeated is an incredible achievement. Jones holds a record 16 successful title defenses, putting him ahead of Georges St-Pierre’s 13. These numbers alone give him a strong case in the GOAT debate.

However, not everyone agrees. Despite his remarkable résumé, Jones’ legacy is not without controversy. One of his biggest critics is AKA head coach Javier Mendez, who believes Jones’ history with PED use disqualifies him from being called the greatest.

On the flip side if we compare him to Demetrious Johnson and Georges St-Pierre—both have suffered losses—but have never been linked to cheating. For many, that question casts a shadow over Jones’ accomplishments. No matter how dominant he has been inside the cage, his failed drug tests are hard to ignore. While his supporters point to his skills and record, his critics argue that greatness requires more than just wins—it demands clean competition.

However, if you judge purely by performances inside the Octagon, Jon Jones undeniably stands out. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime athlete whose impact on the sport of MMA will be felt for years to come. With that in mind, what are your thoughts on Jones’ own take when it comes to the greatest athletes of all time?