Jon Jones is celebrated as one of the greatest UFC fighters despite numerous legal and personal issues outside the cage, with fellow fighter Matt Brown asserting that his in-ring accomplishments overshadow his controversies.
A quick peek at Jon Jones’ Wikipedia page showcases a staggering list of achievements in the UFC, marking him as possibly the greatest fighter ever. Yet, his biography is equally shadowed by controversies outside the octagon.
From a DWI arrest shortly after a major victory over Rashad Evans to a hit-and-run involving a pregnant woman, Jones has faced numerous legal troubles. These incidents don’t even touch on his non-legal issues, like testing positive for cocaine before defeating Daniel Cormier.
Despite these missteps, UFC legend Matt Brown dismisses the notion that Jones’ legacy is tarnished. “We’re going to remember him as the greatest ever still,” Brown stated on The Fighter vs. The Writer.
Brown argues that while no one condones Jones’ actions outside the cage, his in-ring prowess is what truly matters. “He fights in a cage for our entertainment and did it at the highest level,” Brown emphasized.
Jones’ career was undoubtedly impacted by his legal woes, including drug testing failures that cost him significant fights. Yet, Brown believes these issues don’t overshadow Jones’ accomplishments.
Brown acknowledges the allegations of performance-enhancing drugs but insists they’re the only blemish on Jones’ career. He maintains Jones faced every challenger he was meant to, except perhaps Tom Aspinall.
Some speculate Jones avoided fighting Aspinall, but Brown dismisses this as nonsense. “Ducking? Get the f*ck out of here,” he remarked.
Brown, speaking from experience, understands how external troubles can affect a fighter’s career. He’s astounded that Jones could test positive for cocaine and still defeat Cormier in 2015.
“I’ve seen less fck ups really fck up someone’s fight career,” Brown admitted. He marvels at Jones’ ability to perform under such circumstances.
Ultimately, Brown believes Jones’ UFC achievements speak for themselves. While Jones’ personal issues may have held him back, Brown contends his career remains remarkable.
“Had he not done all those things, he could be 60-0 right now,” Brown speculated. Yet, with 14 title defenses and an undefeated record, Jones’ greatness is undeniable.
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