In the world of mixed martial arts, Khamzat Chimaev has quickly carved out a reputation as one of the most formidable grapplers in the UFC. Known for his relentless wrestling skills and fearsome persona, Chimaev commands attention every time he steps into the octagon. But even “Borz” himself admits there’s one fighter who instills a rare sense of awe in him: none other than Jon Jones.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Rise to UFC Stardom
Recently, Chimaev shared his thoughts on Jones during an interview on the Triple C Schmo Show. When asked who he considers the greatest fighter alive, he didn’t hesitate.
“Jon Jones, of course, nobody is like him. He beats the monsters,” Chimaev said.
This praise is significant, coming from Chimaev, who has showcased his own dominance in the middleweight division. In a recent fight, he delivered a brutal performance against former champion Robert Whittaker, where he showcased the very skills that make him a fearsome contender. Chimaev overwhelmed Whittaker with powerful wrestling and, ultimately, secured a jaw-breaking submission, leaving fans in awe of his ability to dismantle elite fighters.
But while Chimaev’s own reputation as a terror in the cage grows, his respect for Jones remains unmatched. Reflecting on his experience training with Alexander Gustafsson, who fought Jones twice, Chimaev acknowledged just how challenging it is to go up against someone of Jones’ caliber.
Chimaev’s Respect for Jon Jones as the Greatest Fighter
“I did all my training with Alexander Gustafsson; I know how good he is. And if Jon Jones could stop that guy, it’s scary,” Chimaev admitted.
Chimaev also gave a nod to Daniel Cormier, another legend who faced Jones twice. Describing Cormier’s style, he highlighted the intense pressure and wrestling strength Cormier brings into his fights, along with his boxing skills.
“And DC, he has pressure, good wrestling and boxing, and he has a mentality of just pressure the fighters. And Jones stopped that guy as well,” Chimaev said, clearly impressed by Jones’ ability to defeat such high-caliber opponents.
For Chimaev, Jones stands as an icon in the sport, embodying qualities that go beyond technical skills. His presence and dominance have influenced Chimaev’s own journey, as he continues to rise through the ranks. In his eyes, Jones is not just a fighter; he’s a symbol of what it means to face—and conquer—the best in the sport.
A Symbol of MMA’s Pinnacle for Chimaev
“If he stays in the game, he has to be the pound-for-pound number one,” Chimaev concluded, emphasizing the unmatched legacy that Jones has carved out in MMA.
This level of respect from Chimaev for a fellow fighter speaks volumes. In his own words, Jon Jones is a “scary” fighter—an honour few in the UFC earn from a powerhouse like Chimaev.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
