TLDR
- Demetrious Johnson acknowledged Jon Jones was always number one in the GOAT debate
- The two legends met at a Super Bowl LX celebrity charity event
- Jones holds 28-1 record with multiple division records but also has drug test failures
- Johnson left UFC in 2018 and holds multiple flyweight records including 13-fight win streak
- Both fighters agreed there’s room for multiple greats and respect for different reasons
Sources: MMA Mania | Bloody Elbow | Fighting World (YouTube)
Two of the UFC’s most decorated champions finally addressed the long-running debate about who deserves the title of greatest fighter of all time. Jon Jones and Demetrious Johnson met at a celebrity charity event during Super Bowl LX, where they discussed their legacies and settled the question that has divided fans for years.
Demetrious Johnson, known as “Mighty Mouse,” made a surprising admission during the encounter. “Me and him battled for so many years to see who’s No. 1 and No. 2, but he was always No. 1,” Johnson said ahead of the Super Bowl.
The statement from Johnson carries weight given his own impressive credentials. He left the UFC in late 2018 and went on to win gold in ONE Championship.
Johnson still holds multiple flyweight records in the UFC. His achievements include a 13-fight win streak, 12 title fight wins, nine bonuses, 57.2% strike accuracy, and 68.4% strike defense.
Both Fighters Deserve Respect
Jon Jones took a more philosophical approach to the debate. “I feel like people respect us both tremendously as great fighters for completely different reasons,” Jones said.
The 38-year-old former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion emphasized that the conversation itself matters more than declaring a single winner. “I always say, there’s plenty of room out there for many stars,” Jones added.
“Who’s the best is always gonna be an opinion,” Jones continued. “So, it’s great to be mentioned in the conversation. That’s what it’s about. We’ve made it.”
Johnson agreed with this perspective. He said “there doesn’t always have to be [just] one” when it comes to determining the greatest fighter.
Jones holds a 28-1 record with one no contest. His accomplishments include a 13-fight win streak, 14 title fight wins, 95% takedown defense, and 1,463 strikes landed in competition.
Different Paths and Legacies
The two champions built their legacies in different ways. Jones is one year younger than Johnson at 38 years old.
However, Jones’s career has included multiple drug test failures throughout his time in the sport. Johnson does not have any failed drug tests on his record.
Johnson finished his UFC career with a 25-4-1 record before moving to ONE Championship. He dominated the flyweight division during his reign as champion.
Jones retired late last year and has said he “could be done” with fighting. His decision came after struggling with arthritis issues.
Both fighters were participating in the Super Bowl LX celebrity charity game when they had their conversation. The event brought together athletes from different sports and provided the setting for this historic discussion between two of the UFC’s most respected champions.
