Former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) powerhouse Frank Mir has recently recounted a remarkable experience with Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, shedding light on the exceptional skill of the legendary fighter. Mir, himself a former UFC heavyweight champion, has had ample opportunities over the course of his career to spar with top-tier fighters. Yet a single training experience with Jones left a lasting impact, and changed his perception of power and technique.
The unforgettable encounter between Mir and Jones took place several years back during a run-of-the-mill training bout. Mir, highly respected for his physical prowess and advanced grappling skills, found himself grappling with an unexpected challenge during this training session. An incident that would lead him to reevaluate his conception of force and proficiency in the sport.
‘In the heat of our training, I remember gripping onto ‘Bones’. In terms of sheer immovable power, he was unlike anyone I’d ever faced. I found myself pinned down in his guard, my wrists seized in his hold. When I attempted to stand up to break free, I found I couldn’t; he literally just shifted his body, placed his ankles behind him, and effortlessly rose to a standing position, all the while holding onto my hands – I was powerless to prevent it,’ Mir explained during an interview with Inside Fighting.
One can only picture the astonishment etched on Mir’s face as he strove to understand what had just transpired. Once Jones released his grip, all Mir was left with was a renewed awe for his move. This incident serves to underline why Jones is often referred to as the greatest fighter in MMA history. It is not just his extraordinary fighting record that sets him apart, but also unexpected moments like these in the training ring.
Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is a name that reverberates with respect and intimidation in MMA circles. His illustrious career spans over two decades and is adorned with noteworthy feats, including clinching the UFC heavyweight title twice. Thus, his opinions carry considerable weight in the sport, and his recent step into the heavyweight division has stirred up a buzz of conversation in the MMA world.
Jones’s journey in the sport is hallmarked by record-shattering performances and a staggering tally of defeated opponents. Now, former heavyweight champion Mir has offered his perspective on a potential bout between Jones and rising star Tom Aspinall.
‘We all know that MMA is as much about entertainment as it is about skill, and Tom is a force to be reckoned with… But let’s not forget that Jon has essentially defeated every foe he’s met, then climbed up the rankings to dethrone a formidable adversary on his way to becoming a two-weight champion. If my money were on the line, I’d say that if they go head-to-head this year or even within the next year, Jones would have a winning likelihood somewhere between 70% to 90%,’ Mir stated during a discussion with talkSPORT MMA.
In Mir’s view, if Jones were to stand toe-to-toe against Aspinall in a championship fight, Jones would have the upper hand. The essence of his argument rests on Jones’s unparalleled set of skills and wealth of combat experience. Mir highlighted Jones’s range advantage, striking abilities, and superior grappling skills as the crucial elements that set him apart, and which, he believes, could potentially overpower Aspinall.
Mir drew from his own career experience to offer his insights, highlighting his understanding of what it means to be a champion. He has been there himself, having won the heavyweight championship twice and set multiple records. Consequently, his perspective is enriched by his experiences and carries significant weight.
His observation is that while Aspinall shows considerable promise, he may have some distance to tread before he can challenge Jones’s iconic status in the sport. It’s a potent reminder of Jones’s long and decorated career, and how deeply he’s influenced and shaped the world of MMA with his formidable skills and indomitable spirit.