Jon Jones blasts UFC after Khabib Nurmagomedov topples him in the pound-for-pound rankings as the sport’s best fighter

Jon Jones, the former UFC light-heavyweight champion, has gone on an extensive Twitter rant, following his displacement at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings by Khabib Nurmagomedov.

At UFC 254, Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje by a second-round triangle choke to defend his lightweight title for a third time.

‘The Eagle’ then went on to announce his sudden retirement in the post-fight interview – at just the age of 32 – due to the loss of his father to coronavirus complications earlier this year.

Jones is now ranked No 2 in the pound-for-pound rankings since vacating his light-heavyweight title to make a run for the heavyweight belt. And initially he was complimentary to Nurmagomedov on his win.

‘I want to congratulate Khabib for an outstanding career. I know he made his father along with millions of fans around the world incredibly proud today. May God continue to bless him on his journey,’ he tweeted.

‘Until I take that heavy crown, I grant you the top spot. Enjoy champ.’

However, Jones quickly changed his tone after most fans and fighters expressed opinions as Nurmagomedov being better than him.

‘I mean if I get outranked by a man [Nurmagomedov] with only three title defences, I don’t really know what to think anymore.

‘I’ve won 15 world titles, he [Nurmagomaedov] just won his 4th. The fact that this is even a conversation is mind-blowing to me.’

As Jones said on Twitter, he has won 15 world titles and was also the youngest-ever UFC champion – winning his first belt at 23.Many people still believe he is the best to ever do it but now Nurmagomedov has retired, and he looks to be making the long awaited move to heavyweight, Jones may soon be back at the top of the list.

By Tom Reed