Jon Jones: The Fighter Who Could’ve Been Champ-Champ, But Fate (and Doping Violations) Had Other Plans
Love him or hate him, Jon Jones has always been a polarizing figure in the UFC. His relationship with the organization has been a rollercoaster of triumphs, controversies, and missed opportunities. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did Jones’ own actions derail his path to becoming the undisputed greatest of all time? Let’s dive in.
In a recent bid to mend fences with UFC president Dana White, Jones issued a public apology for his role in the Tom Aspinall saga earlier this year. The heavyweight title debacle wasn’t the first time Jones frustrated the UFC brass. And this is the part most people miss: White was reportedly furious when Jones refused a replacement opponent for a light heavyweight title defense, forcing the UFC to cancel a PPV event for the first time in its history. Talk about burning bridges!
2017 seemed like a turning point for Jones, until it wasn’t. After a dominant return at UFC 214, where he stopped Daniel Cormier in the second round, Jones’ victory was overturned due to—you guessed it—another doping violation. This not only stripped him of the title but also crushed the UFC’s plans to elevate him to heavyweight contender status, potentially setting up a super fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 218. Imagine the headlines if that had happened!
Instead, by the time Jones returned in 2018, Cormier had already dethroned Miocic and achieved what Jones couldn’t: becoming a simultaneous two-weight champion. Ouch. Meanwhile, UFC 218 still delivered without the super fight, thanks to unforgettable moments like Francis Ngannou’s jaw-dropping knockout of Alistair Overeem and Max Holloway’s dominant title defense against Jose Aldo.
But here’s the burning question: Could Jon Jones have been the undisputed GOAT if not for his self-inflicted setbacks? His resume is undeniably impressive—22 UFC wins, including victories over legends like Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Lyoto Machida, and Alexander Gustafsson. Yet, his legacy remains tarnished by controversies. What’s your take? Did Jones’ own actions hold him back, or was fate simply not on his side?
Let’s spark a debate! Share your thoughts in the comments below. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to join our newsletter for the latest MMA insights delivered straight to your inbox. The Octagon awaits!
