Jon Jones, criticized for retiring instead of fighting Tom Aspinall, is defended by Matt Brown who believes Jones’ legacy will endure, while Aspinall faces limited options in a depleted heavyweight division.
Jon Jones has faced intense criticism after his retirement, with claims he was avoiding a fight with Tom Aspinall. But UFC legend Matt Brown isn’t convinced.
Brown believes a fighter’s missteps are often forgotten over time. He expects Jones’ legacy to remain intact, despite the missed Aspinall fight.
“Jon’s a smart guy,” Brown said on The Fighter vs. The Writer. He knows the narrative will fade, and the UFC will move on.
Jones is confident in his legacy. “I’m the greatest, I can do whatever the hell I want,” Brown noted, echoing Jones’ mindset.
Brown thinks Jones’ timing hurts Aspinall more than anyone. Aspinall, now the undisputed heavyweight champion, lacks compelling opponents.
Odds already favor Aspinall over Ciryl Gane, but Jones’ past victory over Gane looms large.
“It’s almost like Jon has something against Tom Aspinall,” Brown joked. Aspinall’s in a tough spot, with limited exciting matchups.
The heavyweight division isn’t what it was. Aspinall might face Gane or Almeida, but the allure isn’t the same.
Jones’ light heavyweight run ended with less exciting fights, but his early career was stacked with top contenders.
Moving to heavyweight was the cherry on top for Jones. Meanwhile, Aspinall faces a sparse division with little youth movement.
“Jon ruined the freaking light heavyweight division,” Brown said. He beat legends like ‘Shogun’ Rua and Rashad Evans.
Now, the heavyweight division feels uninteresting. Aspinall’s potential matchups lack the same draw.
Brown humorously suggests bringing back Brock Lesnar to spice things up.
Aspinall can still build a legacy with title defenses, but the competition level is crucial.
This is why Demetrious Johnson, despite 11 title defenses, isn’t always top on all-time greats lists.
Jones might dodge criticism now, but he simply refused to bolster Aspinall’s legacy in a weak division.
“Jon doesn’t give a shit,” Brown said. He’s enjoying life, not worried about Aspinall.
Jones is set for life, living it up with millions in the bank. Why fight when you can party?
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