- UFC legend Ken Shamrock thinks Jon Jones is not yet MMA’s GOAT until he proves he can beat Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou
- Shamrock said most fans are quick to declare the GOAT nowadays
UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock shared his honest take on Jon Jones’ case of becoming MMA’s GOAT. While that could be a possibility, Shamrock said “Bones” should first eliminate two of the greatest heavyweights of this era.
Not too quick, Jon
In a recent interview with The Schmo, Shamrock admitted that he was in awe of how Jones managed to bounce back and became the new UFC heavyweight champion, having gone through a series of adversities. However, “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” also pointed out that “Bones” is not yet the GOAT but he could be once he beats Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou.
“I love it but… people want to throw that GOAT name around too easy but I think that Jones has a legitimate opportunity to be the GOAT, but in my opinion, my humble opinion, he’s got to fight Miocic and then Ngannou. I think those two…then that GOAT word starts to be more real,” Shamrock explained.
Let the man earn it first
Shamrock also thinks people are being too quick to put the GOAT status across the name of any exceptional athlete and they do the same with Jones.
“In the world now in sports, we start throwing around that GOAT word too much man. Jones is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters out there in my opinion, right now, no doubt, but let’s slow down on the GOAT thing… Right now, Jones is in the process of doing it, but let’s make sure he does it and I think he will,” Shamrock concluded.
Shamrock is a former UFC heavyweight champion and is considered one of the pioneers of MMA. He last fought professionally in 2016 at Bellator 149 where he suffered a controversial TKO defeat to his former UFC rival Royce Gracie.
As for Jones, he is on course to defend his UFC heavyweight strap against Miocic. Jones thinks he needs to beat Miocic to solidify his GOAT status and end settle the debate.
Prior to Jones’ UFC heavyweight debut, Ngannou left the promotion amid the hype of their potential showdown. This got “Bones” accusing “The Predator” of ducking but Ngannou insists he never ran away and would even fight him “twice a month” if possible.
