Jon Jones: Topuria Was 'GOAT' Threat Before Gaethje Loss

Jon Jones says Ilia Topuria was the fighter he viewed as the biggest threat to his "greatest of all time" status, until Topuria's loss to Justin Gaethje changed his outlook.

Jones made the comments to Prince Sreet Pizza, reflecting on how he saw Topuria heading into the UFC White House card. Heading into his most recent fight at the UFC White House card, Topuria was already a two-division champion, undefeated and held wins over several future UFC Hall of Famers. Justin Gaethje ultimately put on a stellar performance to stop Topuria in the fourth round as he claimed the belt and ended his run.

What Did Jon Jones Say About Ilia Topuria?

Jon Jones admitted he once considered Ilia Topuria untouchable. Jones said that before the White House card, he looked at Topuria as invincible, and that as much as he wants other fighters to eventually break his records, part of him wants to hold onto that status for his family's sake. Jones said he honestly thought Topuria would be the first threat to be considered the greatest of all time, and then saw what happened to him.

That is a significant admission from a fighter who rarely hands out that kind of praise. Jones has spent years brushing off comparisons to other so called GOAT candidates, so naming Topuria specifically, before a single loss changed the picture, says a lot about how dominant Topuria looked running through two divisions undefeated.

Jones did not stop at the records, either. Jones praised Topuria's entertainment value, his boxing, power and confidence, and the way he carries himself outside the cage, noting Topuria comes from a successful family and fights out of love rather than financial need.

Does Jon Jones Think Topuria Can Bounce Back?

Jon Jones expects Ilia Topuria to recover from the Gaethje setback and return to title contention. Jones said he expects Topuria to bounce back, and because they share the same manager, he has heard that Topuria is doing everything possible to return to his winning ways. Jones added that Topuria is doing all the right things with his recovery and called him a guy who deserves to win.

For bettors, the loss to Gaethje resets how sportsbooks and oddsmakers will price Topuria in any future matchup. A two-division champion going into a fight as a heavy favorite is now a live underdog proposition the moment he steps back in against ranked competition, and his price in a potential rematch or next outing will hinge heavily on who the UFC lines him up against. Jones putting his name behind Topuria's recovery is the kind of insider signal that can shift public perception on a fighter well before oddsmakers start moving numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Jon Jones say about Ilia Topuria?

Jon Jones said he viewed Ilia Topuria as invincible and the first real threat to his greatest of all time status before Topuria's loss to Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House card.

Who beat Ilia Topuria at UFC White House?

Justin Gaethje stopped Ilia Topuria in the fourth round at the UFC White House card, ending Topuria's undefeated run and claiming the title.

Does Jon Jones think Ilia Topuria will bounce back?

Yes, Jon Jones said he expects Ilia Topuria to return to winning ways, adding that he has heard through their shared manager that Topuria is doing everything right in his recovery.