Jon Jones reveals how he would have beaten Khamzat Chimaev in his prime: 'I was the absolute best'

Chimaev at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

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Considered by many to be the greatest fighter in MMA history, Jon Jones once again commented on one of the great matchups that never materialized in the UFC. The former champion analyzed a possible duel against Khamzat Chimaev and explained why he believes his best form would be able to overcome one of the top names in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg).

In an interview with ALF Global, 'Bones' was asked what a fight against Chimaev would be like if both athletes were at their physical and technical peak. The American highlighted his main weapons inside the octagon and stated that he lived through a period when he was above the other competitors.

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“I love Khamzat. My kickboxing is dynamic, my wrestling is explosive, my submissions are really strong, my cardio, physical qualities, my confidence. In my prime, I was the absolute best. I'm not in my prime anymore, I'm almost 40 years old,” said Jon Jones.

Despite acknowledging the Chechen's talent, Jones believes his all-around game would be a deciding factor in the fight. The veteran highlighted his striking, wrestling, and submission skills as characteristics that could hinder the Chechen's aggressive style.

Throughout his career, Jon Jones built a historic legacy in MMA, achieving victories against some of the biggest names in the organization. The American dominated the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg) for years and also won the heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg).

On the other side, Khamzat Chimaev has built a dominant career in the UFC, with victories over big names like Gilbert Burns , Kevin Holland , Kamaru Usman , Robert Whittaker , and Dricus Du Plessis . However, the Chechen suffered his first setback in the organization against Sean Strickland in May of this year, when he was defeated by split decision.

Relive how Strickland defeated Chimaev at UFC 328.

Strickland defeated Chimaev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The match between the fighters took place in the main event of UFC 328 and delivered one of the most balanced fights of the year. From the opening minutes, the Chechen fighter struggled to impose his wrestling against the American's solid takedown defense and high volume of strikes.

After five intense rounds, Strickland won by split decision and regained the middleweight title. The result ended Chimaev's reign, returned the title to the new champion, and opened the way for a possible rematch between the two in the future.

Khamzat Chimaev eyes rematch against Sean Strickland

Khamzat Chimaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

Defeated by the American at UFC 328 , Chimaev didn't hide his desire to receive another opportunity for the middleweight belt. Immediately after the loss, the fighter stated that he believes he is capable of presenting a much better version of himself in a potential second fight. Since then, 'The Wolf' has reinforced, mainly through social media , that his main objective is to regain the title and settle the score with his rival inside the octagon.

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