Age is a crucial aspect of combat sports. The age of a fighter can be credited for their athleticism and strength. Time is one opponent that no fighter has been able to beat, and it is safe to say that no one will. Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest heavyweights ever to grace the ring. He is known for his charismatic and electrifying performances inside the ring and his charming personality outside. As dominant as Ali was in the ring, age got to him; from losing his ability to defend himself from brutal punches from the opponent, ‘The greatest’ failed to beat ‘time’. This is not restricted to boxing. Sports in general is a young man’s affair.

Teddy Atlas, responsible for coaching Mike Tyson in his initial year, drew a comparison between Ali and UFC superstar Jon Jones ahead of his main event fight at UFC 285.

Atlas’s advice to Jon Jones

Jon Jones is arguably the most accomplished light heavyweight fighter in the UFC. He is known for his incredible fight IQ mixed with his signature ruthless fighting style inside the octagon. Speed and tenacity are his commendable qualities, which helped him in his exceptional UFC performances.

Ahead of his fight with Ciryl Gane, in an interview, Teddy Atlas compared the skills of the former two-time light heavyweight champion with Muhammad Ali. Atlas said, “Noone really completely comes out undefeated. And, time diminishes certain skills more than other skills.” He added, “Skills of Jones remind me of some of the skills of Ali. The athleticism, the quickness, the elusive ability.”

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Atlas also discussed how Ali’s skills deteriorated with time. Referring to the skills of the great heavyweight, he said, “That was diminished.”  The American trainer also thinks that time will play its role in the case of Jon Jones and said that it is inevitable, but the question will be to what extent Jon Jones’ skills are affected by time.

Jones’ much-awaited return to the Octagon after three whole years

It has been over three years since the fans saw Jones inside the Octagon. The former light heavyweight champion last fought in 2020, successfully defending his title against Dominick Reyes. But, after that win, Jones took a huge step in his career. The former champion decided to make a move to the heavyweight division.

‘Bones’ relinquished his light heavyweight title and was eyeing a bout with the winner of the Ngannou vs. Miocic bout. Ngannou prevailed in the bout and chose to leave the promotion. Hence, Jones will now meet Gane in the Octagon for the vacant heavyweight title. A very handful of individuals have managed to clinch titles in two different weight classes in the UFC. Jones now has the opportunity of a lifetime to join the list.

Read More: “He Has Stepped Forward Courageously and Publically” – Jon Jones’ ‘Accountability’ in Latest Statement Praised by UFC Rival

As in all sports, age plays a critical role in the performance of the athlete. Only time will tell whether JBJ still has it. Nevertheless, many believe that the 35-year-old has nothing left to prove as he has already cemented his legacy as an all-time great. What are your thoughts on Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut? How is your favorite in the upcoming bout? Let us know in the comments below.

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