Former rival points out similarity between Jon Jones e Mike Tyson. Photo: Super Fights Montage
Despite having turned 37 in July, Jon Jones continues to dominate the UFC and is still considered one of the best MMA fighters on the planet. 'Bones' dominated the light heavyweight division (up to 93 pounds) for nearly a decade before moving up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 pounds) in 2023. A former title challenger to Jones believes the GOAT shares a similar trait with another combat sports legend: Mike Tyson.
With a professional record of 28 wins, one draw and one loss, Jon Jones has already defeated names like Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen, Vitor belfort, Rashad evans, Lyoto Machida e Quinton jackson. During the height of his powers, the American established himself as a true finisher and almost no one came close to dethroning him. Already Mike Tyson lived a long hiatus away from the ring, retired, but returned to face Jake Paul in November last year. At 58 years old, the living boxing legend ended up losing by unanimous decision. Even so, in his glory days, 'Iron Mike' was once the most feared man on the planet.
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Alexander Gustafson, a former rival of Jones, believes that because of his skill inside the cage, his 'intimidation factor' is the same as the former world boxing champion Mike Tyson, when he was competing at the highest level. After defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in November last year, Jones is now set to face the British interim champion Tom aspinall later this year. Despite the American's initial reluctance, it now seems likely that he will settle the score with the rising star.
“I believe so [Jon and Mike Tyson have the same intimidation factor] because of what the guy has done. He’s been finishing the best guys in the world for a decade. Aspinall’s mentality needs to be right. It needs to be bulletproof. You need to be ready for the GOAT,” Gustafsson said in an interview with a Swedish news outlet.
Gustafsson claims 'Bones' is the greatest of all time but a fight with Aspinall could only add to his legacy.
“I don’t know what to say about Jon Jones"He's the best there is. You can't take that away from him. The guy is a GOAT. What he's done is incredible. I believe [Tom Aspinall] is a fight he has to face. That's his next fight. You can't take away what he's done before, whether he fights Aspinall or not, what he's done is simply incredible. But it's still a fight he needs to face. I think he knows Aspinall is dangerous. I think it's a question of how much he's going to earn. I don't think this guy is afraid of anyone. He's fought everyone. He's demolished everyone. He's like me. He's 38 years old, so we're getting old. He needs to get paid. This is also a difficult fight to predict," said the former rival.
J. Jones (left) surpassed A. Gustafsson on two occasions. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook ufc
Regarding the potential matchup between Jones and Aspinall, Gustafsson added that the MMA community can expect a 'hell of a fight'.
“I think Aspinall is dangerous in many ways. Jon Jones fighting with an IQ above the top. So it's tough. I can't pick a winner or a loser. I don't know. But it would be a hell of a fight. But Aspinall's experience in the octagon could be a factor. Plus, you're not fighting for the belt, you're fighting for Jon Jones. Beating him is even bigger than having that belt around your waist, so that's a factor too. A mindset factor. You're fighting the scapegoat. Cyril Gane wasn't ready. When you're fighting the Jon Jones, you need to be ready, you need to be mentally prepared for a fight like this,” he concluded.
In the worst phase of his career, Gustafsson has accumulated four consecutive defeats. In his last appearance the fighter was knocked out by Nikita Krylov in 2022. Since then, the Swede has not performed in other modalities.
Read More about: Alexander Gustafson, Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier, Jake Paul, Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida, Mike Tyson, Quinton jackson, Rashad evans, Tom aspinall, Vitor belfort
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