“Rampage” Jackson believed that Miocic would be more difficult for Jon Jones to defeat than Aspinall

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), the debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) is ever-changing. However, one name that consistently comes up is Jon Jones. After his dominant win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson shared his thoughts on Jones’ performance and what lies ahead for the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Rampage Jackson Reflects on Jones’ Win Over Miocic

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a legend in the MMA community, has closely followed Jon Jones’ career throughout the years. After Jones’ decisive victory over Stipe Miocic, Jackson gave his take on the fight and Jones’ place in MMA history.

Initially, Jackson believed Miocic, a former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, would provide a greater challenge for Jones. Miocic was well-known for his incredible all-around skills, including striking and wrestling. However, after witnessing Jones’ performance at UFC 309, Jackson’s view shifted dramatically.

Jackson admitted that he was thoroughly impressed by Jones’ ability to dominate Miocic, which led him to believe that no heavyweight in the UFC could match up against the current champion. “I don’t even think any heavyweight could beat him,” Jackson said during an appearance on Uncrowned’s The Ariel Helwani Show. He praised Jones, stating that his performance confirmed his status as one of the greatest fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.

Why Miocic Wasn’t the Challenge Jones Fans Expected

When asked why he initially thought Miocic would be a bigger threat, Jackson explained that Miocic’s track record made him appear to be the more formidable opponent on paper. Miocic had earned victories over several UFC legends, including Daniel Cormier and Francis Ngannou, establishing himself as a dangerous force in the heavyweight division.

However, after seeing Jones’ dominant performance at UFC 309, Jackson reassessed Miocic’s chances. “I thought Stipe would be a tougher challenge on paper,” Jackson explained. “But after seeing the way Jon Jones fought, I’m convinced he could beat anyone in the heavyweight division.”

The Rise of Tom Aspinall – Future Challenges for Jones

While Jon Jones’ victory over Miocic solidified his dominance, the fight sparked much speculation about who could pose a challenge to him in the future. One name consistently brought up is Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC Heavyweight Champion. Aspinall has garnered attention with his rapid rise in the division and several impressive victories.

Despite Aspinall’s potential, Jackson wasn’t convinced that he would pose a real threat to Jones’ reign. “I’m a fan of Aspinall, I think he’s a great fighter,” Jackson admitted. “But I just don’t see him giving Jones too much trouble.” Jackson emphasized that, after seeing how Jones handled Miocic, he didn’t view Aspinall as a serious threat to the champ.

Jon Jones as the “Neo” of MMA

In discussing Jon Jones’ skill set and his ability to dominate across multiple divisions, Jackson drew an interesting parallel. He referred to Jones as the “Neo of MMA,” likening him to the protagonist of The Matrix series. Just as Neo is portrayed as a transcendent figure who can defeat any opponent, Jackson views Jones as someone whose skills and adaptability place him far above his competition.

Jones’ success in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions further strengthens his claim to the title of the greatest. With his recent victory over Miocic, Jones’ place in MMA history seems even more secure. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the possibility of a 2025 return, where Jones could face off against current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Jon Jones’ Legacy and What’s Next

Jon Jones’ dominant victory over Stipe Miocic has solidified his position as one of MMA’s all-time greats. While Rampage Jackson initially thought Miocic would be a tougher challenge, Jones’ performance made it clear that no heavyweight in the UFC can currently match his abilities. Looking ahead, the fight community is abuzz with the possibility of future matchups, especially with Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira on the horizon. As Jones continues to evolve and impress, his place in MMA history seems more secure than ever.