Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling recently stated that Jon Jones` decision to retire instead of facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall does not tarnish Jones` legacy. While some observers have questioned Jones` standing following this choice, especially after he reportedly kept Aspinall waiting for the undisputed title for nearly 600 days before announcing his retirement last weekend, Sterling offered a different perspective.
Jones, widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, had his final UFC bout against the 42-year-old Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, winning via third-round TKO. This choice to fight Miocic rather than unify against the younger Aspinall drew criticism, with some accusing Jones of avoidance despite the potential for a record-breaking payday from an Aspinall fight.
Aljamain Sterling Defends Jon Jones` Retirement Decision
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aljamain Sterling robustly defended Jon Jones, arguing against the notion that his retirement constitutes a stain on his career. “I don’t think Jon’s retiring is a stain on his legacy,” Sterling asserted. “I know some people are trying to paint that narrative, but how can a guy who’s defended his championship title more than 10 times have a stain on his legacy because he decided to not fight one more time?”
Sterling used a hypothetical scenario, suggesting that if an unforeseen event prevented Jones from competing, people wouldn`t view it negatively, questioning why choosing not to fight should be treated differently. He acknowledged the fan desire to see the fight but emphasized understanding the strategic and business aspects of Jones` career. “But, I gotta be real. I understand the business side of things and the longevity and protecting what you’ve accomplished and created where you’re in a position where you don’t need to fight,” Sterling explained.
History of `Ducking` Accusations: Dominick Reyes in 2020
This isn`t the first time Jon Jones has faced accusations of avoiding potential opponents during his lengthy UFC tenure. Sterling and others drew parallels to the situation involving Dominick Reyes in 2020.
Following their fight at UFC 247, where the then-light heavyweight champion Jones won a controversial unanimous decision against the undefeated Reyes – a fight many, including Dana White, believed Reyes had won – Jones showed little interest in a rematch. Instead of fighting Reyes again or remaining in the light heavyweight division, Jones moved up to heavyweight after a three-year layoff, eventually winning the title. Reyes, meanwhile, went on to lose his subsequent three fights by knockout.
The criticism Jones faced after the Reyes fight, with fans calling him a “coward” and accusing him of “ducking” a rematch, mirrors the sentiment expressed by some regarding his retirement before fighting Tom Aspinall, highlighting a perceived pattern by his detractors.
Jack Thornley