“Another Goal Checked Off the List”: Jon Jones Honored to be a Part of Hall of Fame

In September 2013, light heavyweights, Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson fought for the UFC Light heavyweight title at UFC 165 in the Scotiabank Arena. After five rounds of intense fighting, Jones managed to defend his with a win via unanimous decision. With the close nature of the fight, many believed Gustafsson did enough to win it.

Irrespective of the result, it was one of the greatest fights ever. Saturday’s UFC 248 broadcast relayed the news that the fight will be inducted in the UFC Hall of Fame at the upcoming international fight week on July 9.

UFC president Dana White said in a statement,“Going into the first Jones vs. Gustafsson fight, fans and media didn’t care about the fight, because they didn’t believe Gustafsson deserved a title shot, and this thing ended up being the greatest light heavyweight title fight in UFC history,”

He further added, “To be there and watch it live was amazing. It was an incredible fight, and both athletes gave everything they had for all five rounds. This fight was such a classic it was named the 2013 ‘Fight of the Year’ and will always be considered one of the greatest fights in combat sports history.

“This fight showed what a true champion Jon Jones was, as this was the first time he was taken into deep waters and truly tested. The fight also put Gustafsson on the map and showed his true potential.”

Jon Jones “honored” to get a place in the Hall of Fame

Jones, quite naturally, felt honored at the news of his induction while he still has a fighting career.

“So honored to be inducted to the Hall of Fame while still in the prime of my career. Another goal checked off the list. So many more great things to come,” he wrote in an Instagram post.