Jon Jones and Jake Paul are at opposite poles in the world of combat sports. Jon Jones is MMA’s GOAT in many people’s eyes; Jake Paul, in contrast, is a former Disney star and YouTuber who has paved a successful career in ‘influencer’ boxing. Paul has suffered criticism throughout his boxing journey so far regarding his choice of opponents. There is a trend that usually follows picking a fight with someone older, smaller, or less skilled in boxing as a stand-alone martial art. Former UFC Middleweight Champion and Hall Of Famer Michael Bisping, speaking on his podcast Believe You Me, made his thoughts clear as he compared Jon Jones’s approach to picking fights at the top of the UFC’s Heavyweight division to Jake Paul’s in boxing.
Bisping Criticises Jon Jones’s Fight Selection
Bisping didn’t hold back praise for Jones’ regarding his flawless performance at UFC 309, where he secured a round 3 KO after landing a perfectly timed spinning kick to the body of former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. However, despite the flawless performance against the ageing Miocic, who is now 42 and returned to the octagon for the first time since he got viciously KO’d by Francis Ngannou 3.5 years ago, Jones has come under fire from large amounts of MMA fans, fellow fighters and commentators, including Bisping for his denial of UFC Heavyweight Interim Champion Tom Aspinall’s legitimacy to fight Jones for the undisputed Heavyweight title next. Instead, Jones has been calling for a fight against former Middleweight and current Light-Heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
“I’ve always said I think Tom would beat Jon,” Bisping said before acknowledging Jones’ skills. “Jon looks big. Jon looks fast. Jon looks like he’s got the ability to go five rounds if he wants to or he needs to.”
Despite his praise for the Heavyweight Champion, Bisping criticises Jon Jones and is adamant that Aspinall represents the real challenge that fans are eager to see next. “Would he be able to take down Tom? That’s the question. That’s the fight. That’s what we want to see.”
Dana White’s Assurance
Despite Jones clear views on what his next move should be, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed he agrees with Bisping and the mass number of MMA fans who believe that the only option next for Jones is to allow the Heavyweight division to be unified with a colossal fight against Interim Champion Tom Aspinall. At the UFC 309 Post Fight Press Conference, White confirmed that the fight “Has to happen” and that he will begin negotiations with Aspinall and Jones.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
