The story so far: Jones vs. Gustafsson 2
In every sport there’s an iconic figure; in Football Pele, in boxing Muhammed Ali. However in a sport as new as MMA, the identity of the greatest icon is difficult to decide as the sport is constantly evolving and many contenders are still fighting, such as St Pierre, Nurmagomedov and Cormier. Despite this, arguably the most talented man ever to set foot inside an octagon by general consensus is someone who has spent the last few years drowning in controversy – Jon Jones.
Jones chose not to pursue NFL like his brothers, focussing instead on martial arts. With impressive credentials in wrestling and JUCO, Jones dropped out of college to concentrate on MMA.
After amassing a 6-0 record Jones signed to the UFC, displaying talent we’d never seen before. He could beat fighters at their own games. With an array of unorthodox striking, the creativity he possessed convinced experts this man was special.
With only one loss to Matt Hamill, by questionable disqualification, some consider Jones unbeatable. After becoming the youngest champion ever at 23 he went on to dominate, eventually meeting another contender for the GOAT- Daniel Cormier.
Their rivalry transcended the sport with the greatest grudge matches in history. In their first encounter (which went ahead despite Jones failing a test for the primary metabolite of cocaine) he defeated the former Olympian convincingly. Then Jones’ life spiralled out of control. In April 2015 he crashed his car into the vehicle of a pregnant woman; fleeing the scene before returning to pick up his money.
Subsequently, Jones was suspended and stripped of his title. He was due to return for a rematch with Cormier who’d gained the title in his absence, but just a day before the fight, Jones failed another drug test for two banned substances resulting in the bout’s cancellation.
After this suspension the rematch was re-arranged and despite a valiant effort, Cormier was stopped in round three. The greatest rivalry in the sport had been settled and it seemed we were finally going to see the best of this superb athlete; sadly it wasn’t to be.
Jones failed another drug test this time for an anabolic steroid. He was suspended and faced a lengthy ban. Meanwhile, Cormier won the heavyweight belt defeating the most decorated fighter in the history of the division. Cormier went on to call out WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar, two scalps that Jones wanted.
It seemed like we were going to look back on Jones’ career and always think ‘what if?’ However after a legal battle, Jones will return to fight for the belt. Those who view Jones as unstoppable should remember 2013 and the greatest fight in history. At UFC 232 he must once again go up against the man who can match him physically, the man who proved he was human, Swedish giant Alexander Gustafsson.
After a successful amateur boxing career as well as experience in shootfighting, submission grappling/wrestling Gustafsson turned to MMA and signed with the UFC. After a good run, he was ready for a title shot.
The world stood still as two gladiators went into battle. In the early rounds, the Swede dominated taking the champ down for the first time in his career as well as outboxing him which resulted in a cut above Jones’ eye. Fans were enthralled wondering if the unthinkable could happen. In the later rounds Jones rallied, out-landing Gustafsson. Both men put their lives on the line in a war that earned the moniker of the greatest fight ever; everybody eagerly awaited the verdict which Jones received.
Since then Gustafsson has put some good wins together but failed in his second title bid against Cormier. On Saturday he’ll receive another chance against the man he came so close to overcoming five years ago.
As the warriors prepare for the eagerly awaited contest we ask the original question what defines a great?
By definition, a great is considerably above average. To truly be the greatest of all time both men need a win. Here are polar opposite characters, Jones the villain, who is considered a cheat by some and Gustafsson, one of the nicest men in the sport, possibly the greatest fighter never to win the belt.
To be great you must come back from adversity and rightly or wrongly Jones has done this. He needs the win to remind people why he’s considered the best.
Gustafsson has faced different challenges, despite two failed title attempts he hasn’t given up. Picking up a title would without a doubt be a way for Gustafsson to cement his legacy in the UFC.
