Khabib Nurmagomedov praised Jon Jones as the best fighter in UFC history following Jones’ retirement, despite Jones’ career being marred by legal issues and controversies outside the cage.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, a legend in his own right, recently showered praise on another fighting icon. Despite his own undefeated record, Khabib called Jon Jones the best fighter “in UFC history” following Jones’ retirement announcement.
Khabib shared his thoughts on Instagram Stories, expressing admiration for Jones. “My congratulations, legend,” he said. “Even though we weren’t friends, you’re the best to ever do it in UFC history and you inspire millions worldwide. You’ve got nothing left to prove.”
Both fighters boast remarkable records. Khabib retired at 29-0, ending his career with four consecutive UFC lightweight title wins. Jones, on the other hand, retires at 28-1 (1 NC), with his only loss being a disqualification.
Jones’ rise to stardom was swift. At 23, he became the youngest UFC champion, defeating Mauricio Rua for the light heavyweight title. He defended it 11 times, later moving up to heavyweight to become a two-division champion by defeating Ciryl Gane.
However, Jones’ career wasn’t without controversy. His first reign ended after a hit-and-run conviction in 2015. A victory over Daniel Cormier was overturned due to a positive test for banned substances.
Jones also faced legal troubles, including multiple DWI charges and a domestic battery incident in 2021. Even his retirement was overshadowed by a recent charge for leaving the scene of an accident.
Despite these setbacks, Khabib’s tribute highlights Jones’ undeniable impact and legacy in the sport.