UFC

Islam Makhachev Criticizes Jon Jones for Rule-Breaking in UFC Career

September 18, 2026Diego Herrera3 мин

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev expressed his view that Jon Jones has consistently evaded responsibility for transgressions throughout his career.

Jones defended his legacy amidst ongoing debate with former rival Daniel Cormier regarding his status as the UFC's greatest fighter. Cormier has frequently challenged Jones' claim to the GOAT title due to numerous failed drug tests, notably before their scheduled rematch at UFC 200, which ultimately did not happen.

Cormier favors UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, his long-time teammate, for the top GOAT spot. Islam Makhachev also presents a strong argument after securing championships across multiple weight classes.

Jones recently used social media to comment on Cormier's GOAT remarks and encouraged Makhachev to maintain his current performance level. Makhachev's reaction to Jones' comments was not entirely favorable.

Islam Makhachev Addresses Jon Jones' Defense of Past Issues

In a recent social media post, Makhachev responded to Jones' justification of his controversial past.

"Jon, I don't mean to downplay your accomplishments. But it seems your life has been defined by breaking rules, one way or another," Makhachev stated in a tweet.

"Yet, you are never held accountable."

Jones himself had previously questioned Makhachev's claim to being the greatest fighter of all time following an earlier knockout loss in his UFC career. Makhachev recently broke Anderson Silva's UFC record for consecutive wins by defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

As of now, Jones has not replied to Makhachev's tweet. He is expected to support Gable Steveson at UFC 331 this weekend as the promising heavyweight competes.

Jones, Makhachev, and others continue to participate in the UFC's GOAT discussion. According to Jones, Makhachev still has a considerable journey ahead before being considered in that conversation.


Islam Makhachev Criticizes Jon Jones for Rule-Breaking in UFC Career

Islam Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion, believes Jon Jones has a history of not facing consequences for his actions outside the octagon.

The debate around Jones' legacy as the UFC's greatest fighter of all time, particularly challenged by Daniel Cormier, has intensified. Cormier consistently questions Jones' GOAT status due to multiple failed drug tests throughout his career, most notably before their planned UFC 200 rematch.

Cormier often places Khabib Nurmagomedov, his former teammate and a UFC Hall of Famer, at the top of his GOAT rankings. Islam Makhachev also has a compelling case, having won belts in several weight divisions.

Jones recently posted on social media, referencing Cormier's GOAT comments and advising Makhachev to continue his current winning streak. Makhachev's response to Jones' remarks was direct.

Islam Makhachev Reacts to Jon Jones' Defense of Past Drug Use

Makhachev tweeted his response to Jones' defense of his controversial past.

"Jon, I’m not trying to diminish your achievements," Makhachev wrote. "But your whole life seems to be tied to breaking the rules one way or another. And somehow, you’re never the one to be blamed.”

Jones had previously questioned Makhachev's status as the greatest fighter ever, referencing an earlier knockout loss in his UFC career. Makhachev recently surpassed Anderson Silva's UFC record win streak by defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

Jones has not yet responded to Makhachev's tweet. He is anticipated to be in the corner of Gable Steveson for the heavyweight's fight at UFC 331.

Jones, Makhachev, and others are actively involved in the UFC's GOAT debate. Jones' view is that Makhachev still has significant progress to make before he can be considered in that discussion.