Jake Paul Calls Jon Jones 'The GOAT' After UFC Retirement amid Tom Aspinall Fight Buzz

While many have criticized former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones for officially retiring without facing interim champion Tom Aspinall, another combat sports star chose to pay him respect.

After Jones announced his retirement on Saturday, Jake Paul took to social media with a simple message:

The YouTuber-turned-boxer is in the minority of positive messages toward Jones following his retirement announcement, but his assessment isn't inaccurate. Jones was arguably the most talented fighter ever to step foot in the Octagon and reigned as light heavyweight champion for over a decade before transitioning to the heavyweight division and adding another championship to his mantle.

However, the end of Jones' career will likely leave a bitter taste in the mouths of UFC fans. After winning the heavyweight championship in March 2023, he was out for over a year while recovering from a shoulder injury. Rather than facing the interim champion Aspinall in his return last November, he instead defended his title against former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, who hadn't fought in over three years and was well past his prime. After defeating Miocic, he maintained his refusal to face Aspinall before hanging up his gloves.

The UFC will now put its focus on Aspinall after he was elevated to heavyweight champion, so it will be interesting to see who he's matched up against next following Jones' departure from the company.