Khabib Nurmagomedov has declared that he will never have much of a relationship with Jon Jones after his most heated feud.
The legendary light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion’s greatest rival during his UFC career was Daniel Cormier, who is a close friend of Nurmagomedov’s for years. And in a new social media post, the Russian has explained that he could never betray his pal by siding with Jones.
Both Jones and Nurmagomedov are considered in the discussion for the greatest fighter of all time. A debate rages over who takes the crown, with the American’s longevity canceled out by the Russian’s lack of failed drug tests and general dominance at lightweight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov tears into Jon Jones in new social media post
On Sunday morning, Khabib Nurmagomedov re-posted a video on his Instagram story in which Jon Jones listed him in his top five and commented on the pair’s previous disagreements. The American claimed that despite their back-and-forth, he was still undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters ever.
“I love what Khabib represents,” Jones said in the video, which had been translated from its original English. “We’ve had our differences in the past, I’ve made some quotes about him but there has never been a real beef.
“I love the way he carries himself as a Muslim, I love the way he represents his country. I love the businessman that he is, he just seems like a stand-up guy. He gives back to others, he’s a stand-up guy, he’s an admirable man and I appreciate it.”
However, Nurmagomedov did not accept the compliment, noting that he would be betraying Cormier if he were to befriend Jones at any point. “I have never had any disagreement with Jones,” he argued in a story post which has been translated by Bloody Elbow.
“He is a great fighter as a fighter, and it will be hard to compere with him. But my friend Cormier is in conflict with him and automatically he cannot be my friend. I am not friends with those whom my friends are not friends.”
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier shared bitter rivalry over two fights
The feud between Jones and Cormier is one of the most iconic and bitter in the history of not just UFC, but all of MMA. Olympic wrestler and Strikeforce champion Cormier was seemingly unbeatable in the cage, until he ran into the legendary Jones.
Both men went low in their pre-fight build-ups as they were signed up to fight on four separate occasions throughout their careers. Two of those actually made it to fight night, with Jones winning the first by Unanimous Decision before landing a vicious head kick knockout in their rematch.
However, the second fight between the pair was reverted to a No Contest after the iconic two-weight world champion tested positive for banned substance Turinabol. He claims to have since been vindicated by a rule change under USADA that allowed for the tiny levels that were said to be found in his system.
And even now when the pair talk there is still a clear bitterness between the two. Footage from a Roku documentary Fight Inc: Inside the UFC shows the pair speaking on the phone in an exchange that can at best be described as icy.
Jon Jones made his case for GOAT status in 2020 social media video
After Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from the sport in 2020, Jon Jones made his feelings about the Russian’s legacy very clear in a social media video. He mocked the idea that they could be compared, noting how many more title fights he has won than his fellow GOAT candidate
“I’m talking to all you Khabib fans out there,” Jones said to fans in a rant video shared to Instagram. “Fifteen world titles to your guy’s four and you are really talking about who is the best fighter ever? You guys are joking, right?
“Fifteen to four? Are you guys kidding me? The only person that could possibly come back and challenge my record and what I have done in the UFC is possibly Georges St-Pierre. He would have to come back and win two championship fights to tie me, and I’m not even retired yet.
“I’m 33 years old. I have a whole other chapter to go through. You guys are nuts. I love you guys so much and hope you guys all have a great day. Fifteen world championships to four.
“And if all you guys are going with he’s more dominant argument, the guy just recently started fighting elite level competition. Could you imagine me against the No. 10 ranked guy?”
- Who is Khabib Nurmagomedov? Inside the life of the most dominant UFC fighter of all time