When considering a potential UFC fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, former light heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans openly admits a part of him hopes the bout never actually happens.
While Evans respects the potential matchup itself, he is keenly aware of the significant stakes for Jones, who is widely regarded as the greatest fighter of all time with a career marred by only one disqualification loss. By virtually all measures, Jones`s career accomplishments place him in a unique, unparalleled category within the sport.
Evans elaborated on his conflicting perspective, explaining why, despite his personal interest in seeing the fight, he also recognizes the potential downsides for Jones.
“I’m somewhat conflicted about it,” Evans stated. “My fan side definitely wants to witness it. I absolutely want to see it. However, another part of me, deeply impressed by Jon Jones’s career achievements, wishes to see him conclude his career at the pinnacle, without needing to compete again.”
He highlighted the continuous cycle of challengers in the sport: “The reality is, there will always be someone new. If he defeats Tom Aspinall, people will immediately point to the next promising fighter. There’s perpetually another `last dragon` to overcome. While a part of me respects him if he chooses not to take the fight, another part urges him to step up and beat Aspinall. To be frank, I`m truly mixed on the matter.”
Reports suggest Jones`s hesitance regarding a fight with Aspinall stems partly from concerns about the British heavyweight`s relatively shorter resume, coupled with the understanding that a victory would simply lead to another challenger emerging soon after.
Jones`s extensive list of achievements provides ample justification for retirement, and his legacy seems firmly established. However, Evans ponders how a potential loss could alter this perception.
Evans cites the inevitable impact of aging as another reason for his reservations about the fight, acknowledging that even someone as successful as Jones is not immune to time.
“One undeniable truth is that time eventually catches up to everyone,” Evans remarked. “Regardless of who you are, Jon has been exceptionally fortunate in the octagon, managing to remain effectively undefeated and perform brilliantly, even through close contests.”
He used an analogy: “But eventually, if you stay around long enough, you’re bound to get caught at some point. I lean towards the view that he’s done enough. It’s time to relax.”
While Evans and Jones were once closely associated while training together at Greg Jackson`s gym in New Mexico, Evans shared that he hasn`t spoken to his former teammate for a considerable period.
This lack of recent contact means Evans cannot speak directly to Jones`s current mindset regarding fighting or the possibility of retirement. However, he understands the profound difficulty many athletes face when the sport has become their entire identity.
“I don’t currently know Jon Jones, and I’m unsure if there`s a part of him that still feels a need for this,” Evans mused. “Sometimes, when you’ve been involved in something for so long, it becomes so deeply integrated into who you are that exploring a different identity outside of it might not be something you’re ready for or willing to relinquish.”
He reiterated, “Since I don’t know Jon Jones’s perspective right now, I can’t say if that idea is even something he is contemplating.”
Drawing on his own personal experience, Evans recounted his decision to retire and the uncertainty he faced regarding his direction once he was no longer defined solely by fighting.
He explained that it required significant time and soul-searching to forge a new path. Evans feels secure in his identity now, both within and outside the fighting world. He isn`t sure if Jones is grappling with similar existential questions while considering the end of his career.
“I went through immense difficulty,” Evans confessed. “I experienced a genuine struggle rediscovering myself. There was a lot of self-questioning, reflecting on my past decisions, revisiting painful memories and choices, and extensive soul-searching. Not everyone is prepared for that process. Some find it incredibly challenging and may resort to unhealthy habits to cope, which can be detrimental to their health.”
He concluded with a hopeful note for Jones: “I sincerely hope he is capable of making that transition smoothly. The challenges outside the octagon take on a completely different dimension once you are no longer a pay-per-view superstar.”
