The promo video has been criticized by some fans and media outlets for being misleading and disrespectful to Hamill, who suffered a dislocated shoulder and a broken nose from Jones’ illegal elbows in their fight. Some fans have also accused UFC president Dana White of using his marketing power to erase Jones’ loss and boost his legacy.
Jon Jones’ DQ loss explained
Jon Jones’ only career loss came in his fourth UFC fight against Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale on December 5, 2009. Jones dominated the fight from the start, taking Hamill down and landing vicious ground and pound. However, in the first round, Jones landed several downward elbows to Hamill’s face, which are illegal under the unified rules of MMA. The referee stopped the fight and deducted a point from Jones for the foul. However, Hamill was unable to continue due to his injuries, and the fight was declared a disqualification win for Hamill.
Many fans and analysts have argued that Jones’ loss should have been overturned to a no contest, as Hamill’s injuries were not caused by the illegal elbows, but by Jones’ earlier strikes. Hamill himself admitted that he did not win the fight, and that he was already hurt before the foul. However, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which oversaw the event, refused to change the result, citing that the referee’s decision was final.
Jon Jones’ legacy as the GOAT
Despite his DQ loss, Jon Jones is widely considered to be one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, if not the greatest. He has won 27 fights in his career, including 15 title fights in two weight classes. He has defeated some of the best fighters in MMA history, such as Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Vitor Belfort, and Mauricio Rua. He has also never been knocked out or submitted in his career.
However, Jones’ legacy is also tainted by his multiple controversies outside the octagon. He has been involved in several legal issues, such as DUI arrests, hit-and-run incidents, and battery charges. He has also tested positive for banned substances on multiple occasions, resulting in suspensions and title stripping. Some fans and critics have questioned his integrity and sportsmanship as a fighter and a person.
Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic at UFC 295
Jon Jones is set to defend his heavyweight title for the first time against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 18, 2023. The fight is expected to be one of the biggest and most anticipated bouts in UFC history, as both fighters are regarded as legends in their respective divisions. Jones moved up to heavyweight in 2022 after vacating his light heavyweight title. He won the vacant belt by knocking out Francis Ngannou at UFC 287 in July 2022. Miocic is the most successful heavyweight champion in UFC history, with four title defenses. He lost his belt to Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021, but avenged his loss by defeating Ngannou by unanimous decision at UFC 284 in May 2022.
The fight between Jones and Miocic will likely determine who is the best heavyweight fighter of all time, and possibly who is the best fighter of all time overall. Both fighters have expressed respect and admiration for each other, but also confidence and determination to win. The fight will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
