Jon Jones ignites MMA controversy with his Mount Rushmore list, excluding Khabib and sparking intense fan debate.
Jon Jones, a long-standing figure in mixed martial arts, recently ignited controversy by unveiling his MMA Mount Rushmore. The 37-year-old UFC legend named Demetrious Johnson, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and himself as the sport’s most influential fighters, sparking intense debate among fans, particularly due to the omission of undefeated former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Fan Backlash Over Omission of Khabib Nurmagomedov
Jones shared his list during an episode of the Deep Cut Podcast, placing himself alongside what he considers the four greatest MMA athletes. This decision quickly drew criticism from fans who could not reconcile Khabib’s exclusion, especially given his flawless 29-0 record and dominant lightweight reign inside the Octagon.
The absence of Khabib from Jones’ roster stirred disbelief across social media, with many questioning the validity of the choices. One enthusiastic supporter expressed shock simply stating, “No Khabib is crazy.” Others compared fighters’ resumes to underscore their disagreement.
Debate Over Demetrious Johnson’s Inclusion Versus Khabib’s Record
Several fans challenged Johnson’s selection over Khabib, emphasizing the Russian’s undefeated streak as a stronger case. “Johnson over Khabib is crazy,”onefan declared, highlighting the controversy over comparing fighters across weight classes and eras.
Jones naming himself within his own Mount Rushmore also generated criticism. Comments labeled the move by some as egotistical, with onefan remarking,
Image of: Jon Jones
“Of course, he had to mention himself. I think some people will be pissed he didn’t say Khabib though,”
showing mixed reactions not only to the lineup but also to Jones’ self-inclusion.
Fans Applaud Integrity Amid Past Controversies
Jones’ history with performance-enhancing drug (PED) controversies factored into fan opinions on the list. Some suggested alternative fighters in his place, such as Alexander Volkanovski, who they felt represented a cleaner image. One fan summarized this viewpoint by writing,
“No steroid cheats. DJ, GSP, khabib, volk.”
Meanwhile, others expanded the definition of the Mount Rushmore concept beyond simply the “best”fighters, proposing that it should represent the biggest personalities in MMA. One supporter wrote,
“Are these the top 4? Definitely. Khabib 5th. But a Mount Rushmore isn’t just the best, it’s the biggest faces of the sport. That’s Jon, Connor, Silva and probably Chuck Lidell,”
suggesting that fighters like Conor McGregor and Chuck Liddell hold critical places in the sport’s history.
Strong Praise for Khabib’s Career and Character
A passionate fan defended Khabib’s legacy, contrasting it with Jones’ troubled career. Highlighting qualities such as discipline and integrity, the fan wrote,
“Lol Khabib never did steroids, never ducked short-notice fights, never fought smaller guys below a weight division. And he never mentioned himself on the Mount Rushmore. If anybody, it should be Khabib. Never lost, never cheated, never ducked, lost only a round in career,”
emphasizing the Russian’s unblemished record and respect for the sport.
The Enduring Debate Over MMA’s Greatest Fighters
The discussion around Jon Jones’ MMA Mount Rushmore illustrates the enduring challenge in naming the sport’s all-time best. Fans remain divided, passionate over differing criteria like undefeated records, cultural impact, or personal character. Jon Jones, known as “Bones,” is undeniably a dominant figure in MMA history, but this latest list has renewed debate over who truly belongs among the greatest.
As fans continue to voice their opinions, the question of who deserves a spot on MMA’s Mount Rushmore remains unsettled. This conversation keeps the sport’s history alive in the minds of its passionate followers, ensuring that the legacy of champions like Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and Khabib Nurmagomedov will be discussed for years to come.
