Legendary UFC Figures: Top Contenders and Personal Insights from Jon Jones

Jon Jones has recently revealed his selection of the four most exceptional fighters in UFC history.

Since its launch in 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has crowned numerous world champions, yet only a select few have truly left an indelible mark on the sport’s legacy.

With an impressive record of 16 title defenses across two weight classes and a multitude of other notable achievements, Jon Jones stands out as arguably the greatest fighter in UFC history. After 17 years of competing at the highest level and preparing for a rising star like Tom Aspinall, Jones remains a dominant force in the octagon.

Undoubtedly, Jones is frequently included in the ongoing debate about the UFC’s greatest of all time (GOAT).

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Jon Jones Joins the UFC’s Elite: The Mount Rushmore of Fighters

In a recent interview with VicBlends, Jones was asked to identify his personal ‘Mount Rushmore’ of UFC legends, and he named four fighters who have profoundly impacted the sport:

“Demetrious Johnson, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and myself – in no particular order,” Jones stated.

“I believe each of us has achieved extraordinary milestones in this sport,” he added.

Jones, Johnson, Silva, and St-Pierre have all competed across different weight classes, consistently facing the best fighters in their divisions.

Canada’s GSP dominated the welterweight division for years before retiring in 2013. He later made a successful comeback to claim the middleweight title from Michael Bisping in 2017, concluding his career with a 13-fight winning streak.

Anderson Silva reigned as the middleweight champion from 2006 until 2013, also securing victories at light heavyweight during his tenure.

In 2012, Silva set the record for most UFC title defenses at 10, a mark later surpassed by Demetrious Johnson, who defended his flyweight belt 11 times from 2017 onwards.

Constructing the Ultimate UFC Fighter: A Dream Team

Following his list of legendary fighters, Jones envisioned creating an ideal fighter by combining the best skills from UFC icons.

“When it comes to fight IQ, I’d start with myself,” Jones remarked.

“For striking, I’d incorporate Anderson Silva’s precision and creativity,” he continued.

“In terms of endurance, I’ve rarely seen anyone outlast me in a fight. I pride myself on outworking opponents,” Jones added.

“For wrestling, Georges St-Pierre’s technique is unmatched. And for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I’d choose Demian Maia’s ground game,” he explained.

“Finally, for boxing skills, I’d select Dustin Poirier, who has excellent hands, and Ilia Topuria, who also demonstrates sharp striking ability,” Jones concluded.