Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the late father and coach of Khabib Nurmagomedov, was an admirer of Jon Jones and often spoke highly of his skills. Years before Jones’s recent retirement, Abdulmanap expressed his belief that Jones possessed exceptional talent, describing it as almost divine. This praise came in 2016 during an interview with Red Corner MMA, when Abdulmanap predicted Jones would dominate the heavyweight division after his move up from light heavyweight.
At the time, Abdulmanap stated,
“Jon Jones got his talent from God, not Greg Jackson,”
emphasizing that while Greg Jackson is a respected striking coach, Jones’s ability was beyond mere training. He went on to say,
“But I’m confident he’d wipe out the Top 5 heavyweights,”
underscoring his belief that Jones could outperform the best fighters in the heavier weight class.
Jones fulfilled part of this forecast by capturing the vacant UFC heavyweight title at UFC 285, submitting Ciryl Gane, and demonstrating the level of skill that Abdulmanap anticipated. Despite Jones having only defeated two heavyweight opponents, including former long-reigning champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, his success validated Abdulmanap’s early confidence.
Jon Jones’ Career and Retirement Affect UFC Heavyweight Landscape
Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever, ended his career abruptly last weekend through a social media announcement. His retirement came amid speculation about a possible superfight with Tom Aspinall, the UFC interim heavyweight champion, who was subsequently promoted to undisputed champion. This development effectively cancels any anticipated Jones versus Aspinall matchup for the foreseeable future.
Before stepping up to heavyweight, Jones secured multiple reigns as light heavyweight champion, earning legendary status within the UFC. His accomplishments place him among other all-time greats like Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose own careers were strongly influenced by Abdulmanap.
The late Nurmagomedov’s respect for Jones was noteworthy, particularly given Khabib’s close friendship with Daniel Cormier, one of Jones’s fiercest rivals. Despite this, Abdulmanap’s admiration for Jones remained clear, and the mutual respect among these athletes marked a significant chapter in UFC history.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Respectful Tribute to Jon Jones After Retirement
Following Jones’s retirement announcement, Khabib Nurmagomedov extended a thoughtful message to him in an Instagram story. He wrote,
“My congratulations legend, even though we were not friends but you are the best to ever do it in UFC history and you inspire millions of people around the world. You have nothing more to prove in this sport.”
This message highlighted Khabib’s recognition of Jones’s place in UFC history and the widespread inspiration he provided to fans globally.
Khabib himself retired after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, only months after the passing of his father Abdulmanap. Khabib was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022, solidifying his status alongside Jones as one of the sport’s greatest figures.
The Enduring Legacy of Jones and Abdulmanap’s Predictions
Jon Jones’s unexpected retirement marks the close of a remarkable era in UFC, yet his impact remains profound. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s early prediction of Jones’s heavyweight success stands as a testament to the respect Jones earned throughout his career. This foresight not only emphasized Jones’s skill but also cemented Abdulmanap’s insightful understanding of mixed martial arts talent at the highest level.
With Tom Aspinall now the undisputed heavyweight champion, the division enters a new phase, but the accomplishments and rivalry dynamics shaped by Jones and Nurmagomedov will continue to influence UFC’s future narratives. Fans and fighters alike will watch closely as the heavyweight division evolves without Jones, whose career was built on the very god-like talent Abdulmanap once praised.