Rashad Evans expresses mixed feelings about a potential fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, acknowledging the excitement as a fan but also recognizing the risks to Jones’ legacy and the challenges of transitioning away from fighting.
When it comes to the potential fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, Rashad Evans has mixed feelings. He admits there’s a part of him that hopes it never happens.
Evans, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, loves the idea of the fight. But he understands the stakes for Jones, who is often seen as the greatest fighter of all time. Jones has a nearly perfect record, marred only by a disqualification. His career accomplishments are unparalleled.
Yet, Evans explains why he’s torn. He’d love to see Jones fight Aspinall, but he also sees the potential downside. “Here’s the thing I’m kind of torn about it,” Evans shared. As a fan, he wants to see it, but another part of him admires Jones’s achievements and wants him to retire on top.
The dilemma is real. If Jones beats Aspinall, there will always be another challenger. Evans respects Jones for possibly avoiding the fight, but he also feels, “man, you better step the f*ck up and beat this boy.”
Jones’s reluctance to face Aspinall partly stems from the Brit’s resume and the endless cycle of challengers. Jones has done enough to retire now, but what if he loses? Evans knows age catches up to everyone, even Jones.
“Here’s a thing that’s a sure thing — eventually time will get you,” Evans noted. Despite Jones’s success, time is undefeated. “You hang in a barbershop long enough, you will get a haircut.”
Evans and Jones were once close, training together in New Mexico. They haven’t spoken in a while, so Evans can’t comment on Jones’s current mindset. He knows how hard it is for athletes to walk away when the sport defines them.
“I don’t know Jon Jones now and I don’t know if there’s a part of him that needs this in a way,” Evans said. Rediscovering oneself outside the sport is challenging. Evans experienced it himself when he retired.
He went through a lot of soul searching to find his identity beyond fighting. “I went through hell,” Evans admitted. It was a journey of questioning and confronting painful memories.
Evans hopes Jones can make the transition smoothly. Problems outside the octagon change when you’re no longer in the spotlight. The journey isn’t easy, but Evans wishes Jones the best in whatever path he chooses.