After claiming the heavyweight title at UFC 285, one would have liked to believe that there would be very few doubts regarding Jon Jones‘ status as the GOAT of MMA. The former light heavyweight champion added another feather to his cap as he easily dismantled Ciryl Gane inside the first round to make a shocking return at the top of the P4P table. Yet after a performance that could go down among the most lopsided ones in recent history; one man appears to be not impressed by it at all.
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Canadian and a coach to one of the greatest fighters of all time Firas Zahabi’s comments on Jones‘ status in the sport have been doing the rounds lately. Having been a part of Georges St-Pierre‘s career for a long time, Zahabi didn’t seem too impressed with talks of the American being considered the greatest fighter following UFC 285.
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March 4, 2023, Las Vegas, NV, LAS VEGAS, NV, USA: LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 4: Jon Jones celebrates his victory over Ciryl Gane in their Heavyweight fight during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 4, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, USA. Las Vegas, NV USA – ZUMAp175 20230304_zsa_p175_266 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
Criticizing the heavyweight champ’s history with PED and allegations around it, the 43-year-old made a few strong remarks about him which drew the ire of the champs’ fans.
Firas Zahabi feels Jon Jones doesn’t deserve to be considered the GOAT due to his history; draws hate from fans
Expressing his sentiments on ‘Bones’ stature in the sport, Zahabi said, “Guys, I hate to say it, he’s not the GOAT. You can’t fail drug test and be a GOAT .”
He then went on to make a serious claim that athletes caught doping should be completely banned from competing in the future, since the effects are irreversible.
“Like if you get caught with a hormone, I think you should be banned for life. It’s irreversible, by the way.” stated Zahabi.
Firas Zahabi spittin' about Jon Jones' goat status pic.twitter.com/4gThWhJe4L
— 𝕽𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖗❂ (@Sa_Gwang) March 12, 2023
This clearly got fans of the heavyweight champ riled up, as they attacked the coach on the Twitter thread that posted this clip.
A fan pointed out the latest change in guidelines, which meant that Jones‘ previous failed tests were irrelevant
Yeah let’s just not take into account new usada tastings have basically made those pops irrelevant because the substances he popped for are so incredibly tiny and do not benefit him athletically at all. Oh and is it possible he’s a TAD bit bias because of his GSP???
— Carlos Francisco Rosado (@HushBulla) March 12, 2023
Salty coz Jones didn't get knocked out by a below average fighter aka Matt Serra
— Arghyadip Das (@ArghyadipDas6) March 13, 2023
Failed a test that has been changed and if he had those same levels in todays tests he would pass so…..
— Robert Thornberry (@RobertThornber4) March 13, 2023
He said “you can’t fail drug tests and be the goat“, so if you’re juicing, and don’t get caught, you still can be the goat in his opinion… 🇨🇦
— プライドFC_ファン (@PRIDEFC_FAN) March 13, 2023
A couple of fans pointed out it was not possible for a fighter to dominate the sport based only on PEDs, claiming that it was ‘Bones’ immense talents that made him who he is.
Jon has the best skill set for MMA, that’s why he achieved all that. You don’t sub someone only because of the Doping.
— martin (@MartinMMAFan) March 13, 2023
"Jon calls himself the GOAT" I mean forget the fans, the organisation itself has declared he is the one. The debate is over.
— sam praveen (@praveen775) March 12, 2023
Yea the amount that was in his system wouldn’t have even popped in todays mma it was so small it was pretty obvious it was from a bad batch of something
— craig h (@colten1g) March 13, 2023
Although there were a few who also sided with Zahabi’s views.
One fan pointed out the difference in treatment between other fighters and Jones after failed drug tests.
100%. + you have people like tj dillashaw whos whole career is tarnished due to popping, but Jon Jones can’t do no wrong to the eyes of mma I don’t understand. I genuinely thought he would be banned for life after the hall of fame situation.
— ribzy (@ribzyfn) March 12, 2023
Ultimately, it does look like Jones’ return after a long layoff hasn’t sat well with Zahabi. Being a successful coach, he is entitled to such strong claims, but fans would probably argue that it’s a bit too much to ban a fighter for life.
What do you think of his statement? Does Jones deserve to be considered the GOAT of MMA? Let us know in the comment section below.
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