Khabib Nurmagomedov acknowledges Jon Jones as the best fighter in UFC history despite a complicated legacy, believing Jones’ prime has passed and questioning his personal conduct, while noting the difficulty of comparing achievements and legacy.
Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks Jon Jones’ prime is behind him. Jones announced his retirement last June, but he’s already hinting at a comeback for a UFC White House card in July 2026. Fans had mixed reactions to his retirement, given his impressive career and the controversy surrounding his exit.
For over a year, Jones was linked to a potential fight with Tom Aspinall. They were expected to unify their heavyweight titles, but it never happened. Nurmagomedov praised Jones as the “best fighter in UFC history” but believes he retired at the right time.
“He’s, like, 38 now,” Khabib said in Russian. “He’s been gone for a while. How many fights in the last five years? One or two. His prime was clearly behind him.” He mentioned Jones’ controversial fights with Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes. “Everyone has their prime, and his was long past.”
The question of whether Jones should’ve fought Aspinall remains. Khabib thinks only after both careers end will people truly compare their legacies. “For Aspinall to reach Jones’ level, it’ll be extremely hard,” he added.
Jones has one of the most impressive résumés in combat sports, never truly losing in 30 pro bouts. He became heavyweight champion in 2023, defeating Ciryl Gane and defending against Stipe Miocic. Critics, however, point to his off-cage issues, like a 2015 hit-and-run and failed drug tests in 2016 and 2018.
Nurmagomedov agrees Jones’ legacy is complicated. “It’s really hard to compare anyone to Jon Jones,” he said. “As a fighter, I never had questions about him.” He emphasized the difference between achievements and legacy. “Legacy is when kids look at you and feel inspired.”
“As a person, there will always be questions about his character,” Khabib noted. “But as an athlete, he reached greatness. And to me, as someone who also fought in the UFC, he has no equal.”
Nurmagomedov, a close friend of Jones’ rival Daniel Cormier, acknowledges the respect they both have for Jones’ skills. “My friend always clashed with him, so I couldn’t have a close relationship with Jones,” Khabib said. “But Cormier holds Jon Jones’ fighting skills in high regard.”