When legends dominate their sports, it’s only natural to compare them. Whether it’s our nature or not, we tend to do that a lot. But can the man who is widely considered the consensus MMA GOAT be compared to boxing’s most feared combatant? If you think that it sounds bold to pit Jon Jones against Mike Tyson, one needs to recap Bones’ 16-year dominance inside the Octagon. And after his latest title defense, his legacy has left an indelible mark.

What makes Jon Jones so special? UFC star Aljamain Sterling summed it up best on his FunkmasterMMA podcast. “He’s like the revamped version of Mike Tyson.” Sterling went on to explain, “The way we talk about Tyson is the way we’re going to talk about Jones..ten years from now.“, the former 135lbs king added.

Sterling wasn’t just throwing praise, he made a legit comparison that can’t be ignored. Both fighters took over their sports in their 20s. Tyson shocked the world by becoming the youngest heavyweight boxing champion at just 20, while Jones captured the UFC light heavyweight belt at 23. “He’s the one, bro. He’s Neo,” Sterling further added, featuring Jones as the iconic protagonist from The Matrix.

Here’s a question: Is dominance enough to call someone the greatest? While Sterling admires Jones’ overwhelming dominance, he also noted, “If we are talking all-around skill, maybe Mighty Mouse.” Once again a bold remark, isn’t it? But Sterling believed that Demetrious Johnson’s technical prowess at the lighter weight classes surpasses Jones’ versatility. So, does skill outweigh legacy, or do they go hand in hand? Let us see what else ‘The Funkmaster’ had to say about the dominant duo!

Sterling amplifies the parallels between Jones and Tyson

Think about Tyson in his prime, before we saw him last Friday. He was a whirlwind of knockouts and raw aggression. Now think about Jon Jones, last Saturday. The damage he inflicted on the two-time former champ by the time he finished him in the third was brutal. So, what connects them? We know that when Tyson steps into the ring or Jones takes over the octagon, there’s an undeniable sense that we are about to witness something special.

But here’s the twist: While Tyson took on with sheer ferocity, Jones approached his battles with versatility and strategy. Isn’t that what makes this comparison so fascinating? Two completely different styles, yet the same remarkable impact. How about we take a moment to think about their lives outside the cage? Sterling posed a compelling question: “Imagine having all that money at such a young age, all that fame, on top of the world being able to do whatever you want at being that young.” It’s this situation that can ultimately make or break individuals.

Both their paths have included detours such as legal troubles, controversies, and personal issues, that often overshadowed their greatness. But if we draw similarity in that sense, it’s a familiar tale for many young, wealthy athletes. It’s broad, yet telling, aspects of their lives. “It’s inspiring, obviously,” Sterling admitted, acknowledging the allure of such success, but he also pointed out, “There are some things that you probably would want to steer away from.” This comes with the territory, the baggage that often accompanies fame and fortune.

Both Tyson and Jones have captivated audiences and defined their respective eras with their unrivaled abilities. What do you think? Is Jon Jones the modern-day Mike Tyson, or does he carve out a legacy entirely on his own? Let us know in the comments below!