When fans talk about the greatest UFC fighter of all time, two of the names you’ll frequently hear are former heavyweight (and light heavyweight) champion Jon Jones and ex-flyweight titleholder Demetrious Johnson. Both “Bones” and “Mighty Mouse” are revered for their accomplishments inside the cage … but who finished first in the “best ever” debate?
“Me and him battled for so many years to see who’s No. 1 and No. 2, but he was always No. 1,” Johnson said ahead of Super Bowl LX.
“Mighty Mouse” left UFC back in late 2018 and went on to win gold in ONE Championship but still holds multiple flyweight records including win streak (13), title fight wins (12), bonuses (9), significant strike accuracy (57.2%), and significant strike defense (68.4%).
Johnson (25-4-1) also agreed with the argument that “there doesn’t always have to be [just] one.”
“I feel like people respect us both tremendously as great fighters for completely different reasons,” Jones (28-1, 1 NC) added. “I always say, there’s plenty of room out there for many stars. Who’s the best is always gonna be an opinion. So, it’s great to be mentioned in the conversation. That’s what it’s about. We’ve made it.”
Jones, one year younger than Johnson at 38, holds multiple division records of his own, including win streak (13), title fight wins (14), takedown defense (95%) and significant strikes landed (1463), just to name a few. He also has multiple drug test failures throughout his storied career, something Johnson doesn’t have.
“Bones” retired late last year and “could be done” following his struggles with arthritis.
