'There’s never really been a real beef' - Jon Jones sing praise on Khabib Nurmagomedov despite their rivalry

Former light heavyweight champions Jon Jones is about to make his return UFC octagon on March 5. He will lock horns with Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 285. Notably, the former was set to play against Francis Ngannou. However, the latter failed to come to an agreement following the expiry of his last deal in December.

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Meanwhile, Jones ranked retired UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov as one of the top five MMA fighters of all time. It was a surprise as Jones and Khabib have had a history together. The former had raised questions about Khabib’s legacy. Apparently, Khabib retired in 2020 due to his father's passing.

I love the way he carries himself as Muslim: Jon Jones

I love what Khabib represents,” Jones told RMC Sport. “We’ve had our differences in the past, I’ve made some quotes about him. But there’s never really been a real beef. I love the way he carries himself as a Muslim, I love the way he represents his country. I love the businessman that he is. He just seems like a stand-up guy, gives back to others. He’s a stand-up guy, an admirable man. I appreciate his existence.”

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“I’m talking to all you Khabib fans out there,” Jones said after Nurmagomedov’s last UFC fight. “Fifteen world titles to your guy’s four. And you guys really talking about who’s the best fighter ever? You guys are joking, right? Fifteen to four, are you guys kidding me? All you guys that are going with this, ‘He’s more dominant’ argument, the guy just recently started fighting elite-level competition. Could you imagine me against the No. 10 ranked guy?”

“When you talk about his legacy, if Jon Jones can come in and beat Ciryl Gane, I said this when I talked to you guys last time, nobody can deny that Jon Jones is the greatest of all-time,” White said.