UFC legend Jon Jones has broken his silence on what he thinks is the largest praise that he could have ever received about his legendary profession contained in the octagon.
The 38-year-old American star is usually viewed as one in all the primary names in contention for the so-called ‘GOAT’ debate around athletes on this planet of MMA.
Jon Jones has only suffered one defeat in his skilled MMA profession after a controversial disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.
The UFC legend, who held titles at light heavyweight and heavyweight, was held in high esteem by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
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Jon Jones reveals his feelings towards what iconic former MMA coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov said about him
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov waxed lyrical about Jon Jones and the legendary Russian former MMA coach’s words in regards to the American spoke volumes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father passed away in 2020 attributable to severe health complications that were ultimately exacerbated by COVID-19 on the time.
Abdulmanap was widely hailed for his influence over the profession of UFC icon Khabib, who retired from combat sports in 2021 with an unblemished MMA record.
Jones was asked if he had seen what the daddy of Islam Makhachev and Khabib said about him, including famously being called “God’s gift.”
“Yeah, I’ll always remember that,” he told Red Corner MMA.
“I’ll always remember that. And I’m honored to have such a compliment come from such a respected man, you already know, a proven man.
“And I actually imagine what he says.”
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Jones vacated the UFC heavyweight championship and retired from MMA in 2025 after his last fight within the octagon against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in 2024.
The ex-UFC heavyweight and lightweight heavyweight title holder pointed to his religious background and that of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov after the praise he received.
“, it means more [what Abdulmanap said] because, you already know, I’m a Christian,” Jones continued.
“He’s a Muslim fighter, Muslim. And for him to feel that way about me, it says so much. It says so much.”
Jones vacated the UFC light heavyweight title and made the long-awaited climb to heavyweight before he captured his last championship crown against Ciryl Gane.
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