Jon Jones has issued a challenge to Conor McGregor after the Irishman claimed he is the second greatest mixed martial artist of all-time, if not tied at number one.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s biggest draw dropped his list of ‘MMA GOATs’ on Saturday, putting Anderson Silva on top, Georges St-Pierre in third place, and Jones at fourth.
“GOAT THREAD. The array of finishes, across 2 divisions, with champion status in 1, Anderson Silva is No.1 MMA GOAT. My array of finishes, across 3 divisions, with champion status in 2, I’m No.2. If not tied 1. However still active, No.1 is fully secured by career end. And easily,” McGregor wrote on Twitter.
“GSP is in at 3. Much less array of finishes but champion status in 2. He is far behind though. Reasons = Left 170 after much damage taken+questionable decision. Never re-engaged 170lb successors. Bottled Anderson fight. Only moved when one eyed fighter presented. Played safe.”
“Jon is 4. Maybe tied 3. More array of finishes than 3 and still active, but champion status in just 1. Reasons = Multiple lacklustre decision performances + questionable decision win. Attempting to safe play HW entry/avoiding its champion.”
Explaining Jones’ ranking, McGregor said: “On George/Jon decision that will clear why I originally gave George 3 and Jon 4 before a maybe tied 3. A lot of Jons opponents were Anderson’s 185lb opponents but the array of stoppages where not there, or nowhere near Anderson’s despite the weight advantage to do so.”
And Still
Jones, who is known as one of the most technical fighters ever, has been regarded by many fans as the greatest fighter of all-time. He became a two-time light heavyweight champion in the UFC after reclaiming the title in his return last December 2018.
To this, the pound-for-pound king is letting his fans do the talking on the ‘MMA GOAT’ debate. He also told ‘The Notorious’ to defend a UFC title first before hailing himself as one of the greatest fighters in history.
Check out Jones’ reaction to McGregor’s “GOAT” list:
The light heavyweight champion has been undefeated in four straight UFC title fights and is now setting his sights on moving up to heavyweight class to take on Francis Ngannou.
(Featured Image Source: YouTube/ The Mac Life and Instagram/ Jon Jones)