Georges St-Pierre, a name synonymous with excellence in mixed martial arts (MMA), recently weighed in on the ongoing debate about the greatest fighter of all time. While fans and pundits have their favorites, St-Pierre’s endorsement carries significant weight. In a recent interview on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, he unequivocally declared Jon Jones as the most complete fighter in the sport. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this bold assertion.
St-Pierre’s admiration for Jones centers around the latter’s unparalleled skill set. Here’s why he believes Jones stands head and shoulders above the rest:
Jones possesses a diverse striking arsenal. His ability to seamlessly transition between boxing, kickboxing, and unorthodox strikes sets him apart. Whether it’s precision jabs or spinning elbows, Jones delivers with finesse.
As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Jones is equally comfortable on the mat. His submissions, guard passes, and ground-and-pound are textbook examples of high-level grappling.
Wrestling is the backbone of MMA, and Jones excels here too. His takedowns, takedown defense, and control on the ground mirror the discipline of a seasoned wrestler.
Beyond physical attributes, Jones possesses an astute fight IQ. He adapts mid-fight, reads opponents, and adjusts his game plan accordingly. His cerebral approach is reminiscent of St-Pierre himself.
GSP believes that Jon Jones is the most complete fighter in MMA 🤼✅#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/V2R79m6Gx2
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) March 30, 2024
Jon Jones’ the most complete fighter according to Georges St-pierre
Let’s examine Jones’ résumé:
- Champion Across Divisions: Jones held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship from 2011 to 2015 and 2018 to 2020. His reigns were marked by dominance and versatility.
- Youngest Champion Ever: At just 23 years old, Jones became the youngest UFC champion—a record that still stands.
- Unbeaten in the Octagon: Jones has never been defeated inside the cage. His only loss came via a controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill during The Ultimate Fighter finale.
- Current Heavyweight Champion: Jones now reigns as the heavyweight champion, making him one of the select few to win gold in multiple UFC weight classes.
Georges St-Pierre’s sentiments echo those of UFC President Dana White. White has consistently hailed Jones as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in MMA. Despite Jones’ controversies outside the octagon, his in-cage performances remain unparalleled.