In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), the potential matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall has sparked significant discussion, especially from former UFC light heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer Rashad Evans. Although Evans has a strong desire to see this fight take place, he acknowledges the high stakes involved for Jones, who many regard as the greatest fighter in MMA history. With a record boasting only one disqualification loss, Jones has built a legacy that is hard to match.
Evans expressed his mixed feelings in an interview with MMA Fighting, stating, “The fan side of me definitely wants to see it. I want to see it for sure.” However, Evans also understands the pressure that comes with fighting a rising star like Aspinall. He commented, “There’s always going to be that last dragon to vanquish.” This growing sense of uncertainty arises from Jones' remarkable career, where he has continually succeeded despite the challenges posed by new challengers.
Jones' reluctance to face Aspinall stems from the latter's early career record. Evans elaborated on this point, explaining that even if Jones defeats Aspinall, another contender will likely emerge right after. He highlighted the unique situation in which Jones finds himself, as his legacy is already firmly established. The concern for Evans is the potential shift in perception should Jones lose. “Age eventually catches up to everyone,” he cautioned. “You hang in a barbershop long enough, you will get a haircut.”
Evans, reflecting on Jones' past performances, acknowledged that despite Jones' impressive skills and undefeated record, time is inevitable. He emphasized, “You did it. Just chill out,” urging his former teammate to consider retiring while on top instead of risking his legacy. These sentiments are rooted in Evans' own experience with the sport and the challenges of transitioning away from a fighter's identity.
Rashad Evans and Jon Jones were once close, training together at Greg Jackson's gym in New Mexico. However, their relationship has since changed, and Evans admits he hasn’t spoken to Jones for some time. Because of this distance, he can only speculate on Jones' current mindset regarding fighting and retirement.
Evans shared insights into the struggle many athletes face when deciding to retire. “There’s sometimes that you can be in something for so long that it just becomes so much a part of who you are,” he explained. For many fighters, stepping away from the sport can be a challenge, as it requires rediscovering their identity outside of the cage. While Evans does not know what Jones is experiencing now, he respects the complexities surrounding the decision to retire.
Having been through his own career transition, Evans understands the emotional turmoil that comes with it. He described his journey of self-discovery after retiring from fighting, saying, “I went through hell just rediscovering who I was.” This difficult phase involved a lot of reflection and revisiting past decisions, something he hopes Jones can navigate more smoothly, should he choose to retire. “The problems outside the octagon take on a different complexion when you are no longer a pay-per-view star,” Evans noted.
As the conversation regarding a potential fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall continues, the insights from Rashad Evans remind fans of the challenges fighters face, both in and out of the octagon. Whether Jones decides to take the fight or retire undefeated, his legacy remains a topic of significant importance in the world of MMA. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this story develops.
