Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly honored Jon Jones following the American fighter’s recent retirement announcement. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed on June 21 that Jones, known as ‘Bones,’ had ended his MMA career, prompting widespread reactions across the sport.
Jones followed White’s confirmation by posting a farewell message on social media, reflecting deeply on his journey in the UFC:
“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years…” —Jon Jones
Widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters ever, Jones holds several UFC records, including becoming the youngest champion at just 23 years old. His impact on the sport has earned immense respect from peers and fans alike.
In response, Nurmagomedov, himself celebrated as one of MMA’s most dominant figures, shared a tribute through his Instagram story, saying:
“My congratulations, legend. Even [though] we were not friends, but you are the best who ever do it in UFC history and you inspire millions of people around the world. You have nothing more to prove in this sport.” —Khabib Nurmagomedov
Assessing MMA Greatness: Khabib’s Place in Jon Jones’ Elite Group
Khabib Nurmagomedov, known for his undefeated lightweight champion career and remarkable 29-0 record, is often cited as one of the most dominant fighters of all time. He retired in 2020, having lost only two rounds throughout his entire run.
Although Nurmagomedov holds Jon Jones in the highest regard, Jones recently outlined his personal top four MMA fighters, excluding Khabib from that list. During an interview with DeepCut and Vic Blends, Jones named himself alongside Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre, and Anderson Silva as the sport’s all-time greats:
“Top four. Demetrious Johnson, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre and myself. In no specific order. I think we’ve all done really great things in this sport.” —Jon Jones
Jones’ Mount Rushmore of MMA highlights those with long-lasting impacts and record achievements within the UFC, reflecting his perspective on contributions across different weight classes and eras.
What Jones’ Retirement Means for MMA’s Future
Jon Jones’ decision to retire marks the end of an era in mixed martial arts. As a fighter who has inspired millions worldwide and set numerous records, his departure leaves a significant legacy for the sport to build upon. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s tribute underscores the respect Jones commands among elite competitors, emphasizing that Jones’ achievements have set a high standard in UFC history.
This retirement prompts reflection on the evolving landscape of MMA and raises anticipation about which current fighters will rise to continue the sport’s growth and excitement in the years ahead.