Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith voiced significant disappointment regarding Jon Jones` decision to retire from mixed martial arts. In Smith`s view, the UFC Heavyweight Champion, often considered the greatest fighter of all time, concluded his career prematurely, particularly as it happened before a highly anticipated title unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall.
Jones kept Aspinall waiting for this championship opportunity for nearly 600 days. Instead of facing the British fighter, Jones opted for his first title defense against 42-year-old Stipe Miocic before announcing his retirement. This choice has drawn considerable criticism, with many suggesting Jones is “ducking” the challenge posed by Aspinall, who is now the undisputed champion.
Stephen A. Smith expresses disappointment on Jon Jones retiring from UFC
Known for his outspoken takes, Stephen A. Smith shared his feelings on ESPN`s First Take about Jones retiring without unifying the belt against Aspinall, a fight many considered one of the biggest potential matchups in UFC history.
“I`m not going to accuse the greatest mixed martial artist I`ve ever seen in my life in Jon ‘Bones’ Jones,” Smith stated, acknowledging his immense respect for the fighter. “I have that much admiration for him… Having said that, I’m incredibly, incredibly disappointed with this news.”
Smith noted that Jones is “absolutely phenomenal” and “the real deal.” However, he highlighted that Jones seems irritated by Aspinall, even reportedly avoiding questions about him in interviews. “Well, now with your retirement, Aspinall is the undisputed heavyweight champion,” Smith pointed out.
He continued, emphasizing his core point: “My point is, if you are a fighter, which he is at a very elite level, and that’s the fight that people want to see, give us the fight that we wanna see.”
Stephen A. Smith to Jon Jones: ‘We wanna see you handle’ Tom Aspinall
Jones, at 37 years old, retires after 30 professional MMA fights, leaving behind the potential superfight with Aspinall. Despite previous assurances that the fight would happen, UFC CEO Dana White reportedly couldn`t convince Jones to accept it.
While Jones isn`t Aspinall`s biggest fan, Smith believes he made a mistake by not fighting the British interim champion. Smith drew a parallel to issues in boxing, where fans often miss out on desired matchups due to external factors.
“What do we complain about with boxing?” Smith asked. “We complain about promoters and others getting in the way of us getting the fights that we wanna see when we wanna see it. And Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, he’s literally this kind of person.”
Smith suggested Jones` actions might stem from personal irritation. “If you get on his nerves, one or two things will happen. They wanna kick your ass, which he’s fully capable of doing and does it at an elite level, or he’ll say to hell with you. I’m not gonna give you the privilege of fighting me because that fighter annoyed him.”
“As opposed to looking at the audience out here spanning millions and millions of people who recognize your greatness and wanna see you against this guy who’s been calling you out for the longest time. Handle it. Then, retire if you want to…” Smith argued. “But don’t retire, because guess what? There’s not really a fight out there that you’re interested in. This guy irritates you. So to hell with it,” Smith said, describing Jones` potential mindset.
“‘I’m not gonna give him the privilege to fight me…’ It ain’t about that. That audience out there who loves you, who recognizes your unquestionable greatness, we wanna see you handle this guy!” Smith concluded.
Rupert Hartwell