UFC champion Jon Jones likened to Mike Tyson in one brutal area
The American MMA star is regarded as one of the best fighters of all time and one ex-foe has even likened him to former world champion Mike Tyson
Former UFC light-heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson believes Jon Jones has the same intimidation as former boxing world champion Mike Tyson
Despite turning 37 back in July, Jones continues to dominate the sport and is still regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. ‘Bones’ dominated the light-heavyweight division for nearly a decade before moving up to heavyweight back in 2023.
With a professional record of 28-1-1, Jones has already defeated the likes of Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida and Quinton Jackson. During the peak of his powers, the American established himself as a real finisher and barely anyone came close to dethroning him.
Gustafsson, Jones’ former foe, believes because of his ability inside the cage, his ‘intimidation factor’ is the same as Tyson’s when he was competing at the highest level. Speaking to Sveacasino.se, he said: “I believe so [Jon and Mike Tyson have the same intimidation factor] because of what the guy has done. He has been finishing the best guys in the world for a decade now. Aspinall’s mindset needs to be right. It needs to be Bulletproof. You need to be ready for the GOAT.”
After defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic back in November, Jones is now likely to go head-to-head with British interim champion Tom Aspinall later this year. Despite the American’s reluctance at first, it now seems likely that he’ll settle the score with the rising star.
Gustafsson maintains that ‘Bones’ is the greatest of all time, but a fight with Aspinall could only add to his legacy. “I don’t know what to say about Jon Jones. He’s the best out there. You can’t take that away from him. The guy is a GOAT. What he’s done is amazing. I believe [Tom Aspinall] is a fight he has to take. That is his next fight. You can’t take away what he’s done before, whether he fights Aspinall or not, what he’s done is just amazing. But it’s still a fight he needs to take.”
Regarding the potential clash, Gustafsson added: “I think he knows Aspinall is dangerous. I think it’s a matter of what his payday is. I don’t think that guy is scared of anybody. He’s been fighting everybody. He’s demolished everyone. He’s like me. He’s 38 so we’re getting old. He needs to get paid. That’s also a hard fight to call.
“I think Aspinall is dangerous in many ways. Jon Jones fighting IQ just over the top. So it’s hard. I can’t pick a winner or loser. I don’t know. But it would be a hell of a fight. But Aspinall’s cage experience could absolutely factor. Also you’re not fighting for the belt, you’re fighting for Jon Jones. Beating him is even bigger than having that belt around your waist so that’s also a factor. A mentality factor. You’re fighting the goat. Cyril Gane wasn’t ready. When you are fighting Jon Jones, you need to be ready, you need to be prepared mentally for a fight like that.”