UFC legend surprises by saying he thought Miocic was 'a tougher challenge' than Aspinall for Jon Jones

Miocic is a former heavyweight champion, while Jones is the current champion and Aspinall is the interim champion. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

PUBLICITY:

Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) with a technical knockout by applying a spinning kick that defeated Stipe Miocic No. UFC 309. Jones' dominant performance, which completely controlled the fight until the final outcome, surprised some who expected a more balanced fight. Among them was the former champion Rampage Jackson.

In an interview with 'The Ariel Helwani Show', Jackson praised Jones' performance and stated that based on that performance, no current heavyweight would be able to defeat him. Jackson also revealed that he believed Miocic would be a bigger challenge for 'Bones' than Tom aspinall, even recognizing the talent of the interim champion.

See too

Even after 50 years, Bruce Lee's influence is still seen in modern MMA

Jon Jones comments on the risks and acknowledges violence in face-slapping competition: 'Wild'

UFC commentator says loss to Aspinall would not tarnish Jon Jones' legacy, but highlights crucial requirement for fight

“I feel that from the last performance of Jon Jones, I don't think any heavyweight could beat him. I think he's solidified himself as one of the greatest fighters on the planet, no disrespect to Aspinall. I think Aspinall is a great fighter. I'm a fan of his as well, but I thought Stipe would be a tougher challenge than Aspinall. I thought so on paper. I think Jon Jones is the Neo of MMA. He is Neo.”, he said Rampage.

Jackson knows from personal experience how talented Jon Jones is. In 2011, he challenged 'Bones' for the light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg) at UFC 135, but ended up being submitted in the fourth round. Rampage highlighted that Jones' success in MMA is mainly due to his exceptional mental strength.

“The reason why Jon Jones “The reason he’s been so successful in MMA and dominated for so long is because his mind is so strong. I was in the cage with that kid. I underestimated him a lot, and I’ve been watching his fights ever since, seeing the things he does. He does things that nobody else does. Nobody else does spinning elbows… Just the way he controls the cage, his mind is really strong, and I’ve been telling people for years that MMA is 95% mental,” the former champion explained.

Jon Jones won the UFC title by defeating Mauritius Shogun and, in his first defense, he overcame Rampage Jackson. Since then, 'Bones' has racked up 17 title fight victories.