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Jon Jones admits he saw Ilia Topuria as the first ‘threat’ to his UFC GOAT status

Jon Jones has long laid claim to GOAT status in the UFC, but one man’s run was beginning to worry him. The former UFC heavyweight…

Bloodyelbow

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 9:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Jon Jones revealed he viewed Ilia Topuria as the first threat to his UFC greatest-of-all-time status.
Jones praised Topuria's boxing, power, confidence, and how he carried himself outside the Octagon.
Topuria suffered a fourth-round stoppage defeat against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones admitted that he viewed Ilia Topuria as the first legitimate threat to his status as the greatest of all time. Speaking in an interview with Prince St. Pizza, Jones praised Topuria's boxing, power, and confidence, stating he considered the fighter nearly invincible prior to a recent defeat.

Topuria previously won the featherweight title against Alexander Volkanovski, defended it against Max Holloway, and defeated Charles Oliveira for a second belt. However, Topuria's momentum was halted by a fourth-round defeat against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

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Jon Jones admits he saw Ilia Topuria as the first ‘threat’ to his UFC GOAT status

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