“I Regret That Big Time”: Jon Jones’ “Egoistic” Confession About Muhammad Ali Goes Viral Before UFC 285

It’s been more than six years since Muhammad Ali left us. However, his legacy remains pristine as it was during his lifetime. For many, it is about Muhammad Ali, the world champion who defeated Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman. His sheer athleticism and boxing wizardry, backed by a durable chin, inspired a generation of boxers and continue to date. However, for many, it was for what he stood up for. The values and belief that all humans are equal put him above the ordinary person.

Though his medical condition started troubling him in the late seventies, Ali carried on and retired only by 1981. The last two decades of the twentieth century in boxing are often labeled the ‘post-Muhammad Ali era.’ There’s hardly a boxer who came ever since who hasn’t tried one of Ali’s well-known moves.

Muhammad Ali’s acclaim could be found outside of boxing. Over the last three decades, the popularity of mixed martial arts has risen by leaps and bounds, and all former and present champions make it a point to pay tribute to “The People’s Champion.”

However, there are few who, due to unforeseen reasons, missed a chance to enjoy the boxing great’s presence. A recently uploaded YouTube short video shows that UFC’s former Light Heavyweight champion and now Heavyweight contender, Jon Jones considers himself unfortunate to have missed the chance of a lifetime.

When the interviewer asked him to name the person he couldn’t meet despite always wishing for that opportunity. Jones replied that he was sorry for missing out on meeting Muhammad Ali. Then he explained how he deferred the prospect based on hearsay about Ali’s inability to converse. He said, “That really sucked. I had a….we had an opportunity to go to a charity dinner, and, uh, someone convinced me not to go. They said you know Muhammad (Ali) is so old at this point. He’s not the guy that you’re expecting….and I…I backed out on that opportunity.”

Later he added how he came to regret it. While the YouTube short received over sixty thousand likes, as of this writing, more than five hundred comments followed. Some were critical, while a few seemed agreeable with Jones’ admission.

Fans react to Jones’ revelation

A user named Brian contested that Muhammad Ali could still listen despite being unable to speak much. Hence he certainly merited meeting people whom he greatly inspired. He said, “Ali could no longer speak, but he could still listen. And that man deserved to be told every day how many men he inspired. One of the greatest Americans to ever live.“

6ixObaid seemed to agree with Jon Jones. They said, “That dude is right. Sadly. His mind was worn down heavily. And people just talk to him, imagining him back then, but his memories and functions were much different, sadly.”

A user named  Anthony Aguilar seemed familiar with the event and the venue graced by Muhammad Ali every year. He said, “He’s talking about the Celebrity Fight Night at the JW Marriott that Muhammad Ali would have every year. I use to work there and actually met him as well. Whoever told him that, though, was right. He wasn’t talking at all and was very shaky from his Parkinson’s disease.”

Onyx Boxing believes it is not as much about conversing with the boxing’s most remarkable as it is about his sheer presence. “I wouldn’t be about a conversation at that point in Ali’s life. It would literally be about being in the presence of one of the greatest fighters of all time. You’re right; you missed out on an amazing opportunity.”

In the same vein, GAWDSAGE  – “I forget who said it, but they met with Ali, and he was already sick with Parkinson’s, and they said that even though he couldn’t speak, his aura let them know he was everything they thought, and all the things people had said about him. Just sitting next to him was enough, so there’s that….”

Aryan, perhaps impressed by Jones’ admission and humility, believes that the YouTube short should be shared with Floyd Mayweather Jr. He commented, “Somebody send this video to Floyd Mayweather, who couldn’t hurt a YouTuber but call himself greatest of all time…”

According to Monscent, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson paid homage to Muhammad Ali despite knowing his condition. Whereas, Jon Jones probably didn’t follow since his inner-self prevented him from respecting someone no longer in the best shape. They commented, “Mike Tyson did it anyways to pay respect. Jones is just not respectful like that; he wanted to do it for egoistic reasons.”

Read More: Muhammad Ali’s Grandson Takes a Cheeky Dig at Jake Paul for Tommy Fury Loss

In the meantime, Jon Jones has largely stayed out of the limelight after defending his Light Heavyweight title against Dominic Reyes on February 8, 2020. Finally, putting rest to rumors, news came about his entry into the Heavyweight division, which is now bereft of a champion thanks to Francis Ngannou’s exit. First, however, he will have to deal with French Heavyweight Ciryl Gane on March 5 to settle questions about his heavyweight prowess.

What is your take on Jon Jones’ revelations? Do share your views and opinions with us in the comments below.

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