Khamzat Chimaev Views Jon Jones as an Ideal Opponent for Fighters, Regardless of Weight Class

Khamzat Chimaev has expressed his admiration for Jon Jones and the possibility of facing him in the future, despite the multiple weight classes that currently separate them. Chimaev, a rising star in the middleweight division with an impressive record of 13-0 in MMA and 7-0 in the UFC, believes that Jones' remarkable achievements make him a dream opponent for anyone aspiring to greatness.

In a recent appearance on the "Smile 2 Jannah" podcast, Chimaev acknowledged Jones as the current best fighter globally, citing his numerous title defenses, two-weight class championships, and undefeated record. According to Chimaev, Jones holds a unique place in MMA history, making him a coveted opponent for those who aim to leave a mark in the sport.

“Jon Jones still is the best fighter in the world right now,” Chimaev stated. “He has most title defenses, he’s a two-weight class champion, he never lost still. He’s the youngest champion in UFC (history). If you speak about MMA, everyone knows Jon Jones. In history, (there is) nobody like him."

Chimaev, who is younger than Jones, expressed his hope that Jones will remain in the sport, allowing for a potential matchup between them. He shared his admiration for Jones' training methods, noting that he had learned valuable techniques from observing him.

“We spoke about training so we can maybe train together. He’s a nice guy. We were speaking and joking around.”

As Chimaev stands on the verge of title contention, he was asked about a hypothetical prime matchup with Jones. In response, he humorously remarked, “Depends which weight class. He’s now a heavyweight. You’re asking me? For sure, I think I will win. That’s a hard fight for everyone."

Chimaev acknowledged the challenges that Jones presented, especially considering Jones' past battles with Chimaev's training partner, Alexander Gustafsson. However, he expressed his desire to create history by stepping into the octagon against Jones.

“He fought two times with my training partner Alexander Gustafsson – they had a good fight. So I became a fighter with Alex, been training with him. For sure, I want to fight with (Jones) so it will be a big history if we fight. Since Alex gave him the best fight in history, now maybe it’s my time to fight him, as well."

Chimaev's optimism and respect for Jones showcase the spirit of competition and aspiration within the MMA community, as fighters like Chimaev set their sights on challenging the best in the sport.

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