Jon Jones believes Alexander Gustafsson fight could earn Hall of Fame spot

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, widely regarded as the best fighter of all time, is seemingly a shoe-in for the Modern Era of the UFC Hall of Fame. That being said, Jones also believes he could earn a spot in the Fight Wing of the Hall of Fame, thanks to his 2013 epic with Sweden’s Alexander Gustafsson

Jones believes this back-and-forth war, which culminated with a hotly debated decision, was absolutely Hall of Fame worthy — even if it’s precisely the kind of fight he strives to avoid.

“I think the Gustafsson fight could be ‘Hall of Fame’ worthy for sure,” Jon Jones said (via MMA Junkie). “It was extremely entertaining. Both of us ended up in the hospital. A lot of people to this day think he won. That’s what makes it such a great fight. I’m definitely honored to have been in it. But I don’t look forward to having fights like that.

“I like to get out of the fights feeling good about my face and about my brain and things like that, so I don’t strive to have those type of wars, but I’m grateful that I did. Now I know that I’m capable of surviving that type of thing and coming out on top – pushing and leaving all of my heart out there. It’s a good feeling.”

Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson met for a second time in December of 2018. On that night, Jones authored a conclusive ending to their rivalry, winning with a decisive third-round TKO.

After being submitted by Anthony Smith in his next outing, Gustafsson retired from competition — although Jones doesn’t seem to think that retirement will stick.

Do you think Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson’s legendary first fight will eventually end up in the UFC Hall of Fame?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/26/2019.