Rashad Evans expressed mixed feelings regarding a potential UFC fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, admitting that a part of him actually hopes the bout never takes place.
However, the former UFC light heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer clarified that while he appreciates the excitement of the matchup, he is keenly aware of the significant risks involved for Jones. Widely considered the greatest fighter of all time with a nearly flawless record – save for a lone disqualification loss – Jones holds a unique place in terms of career accomplishments.
Evans elaborated on why, despite his personal desire to see Jones compete against Aspinall, he also acknowledges the potential negative consequences of such a fight for Jones.
“I`m quite conflicted about it,” Evans stated. “As a fan, I absolutely want to witness that fight. No question. However, another part of me deeply respects Jon Jones` accomplishments and wishes to see him retire at the peak of his career without needing to compete again.”
He explained the continuous nature of combat sports challenges: “The truth is, there`s always another contender waiting. Even if he beats Tom Aspinall, people will immediately look to the next potential threat. There`s perpetually one more challenge to conquer. Part of me respects the idea of him not taking the fight, while another part strongly feels he should face and defeat Aspinall. Frankly, I`m genuinely torn.”
Jon Jones` stated reasons for potentially avoiding a fight with Aspinall often center on the British fighter`s relatively limited professional record and the certainty that even if Jones wins, another challenger will quickly emerge.
By virtually any standard, Jones has achieved more than enough in his career to retire, and his legacy is undeniably cemented. However, Evans ponders how a loss might impact that established legacy.
Evans cited the inevitability of aging as another reason for his reservations about the fight, acknowledging that time affects all athletes, including Jones.
“One thing is certain: time eventually takes its toll,” Evans remarked. “Regardless of who you are, Jon has been incredibly fortunate in the octagon, managing to remain effectively undefeated and perform strongly, even in his more challenging bouts.”
He used an analogy: “But eventually, if you stay long enough, you will get caught. You`re going to face a defeat at some point. My perspective is, he`s accomplished everything. It might be time to step back.”
Evans noted that while he and Jones were once close training partners at Greg Jackson`s gym in New Mexico, they haven`t communicated in a significant while.
Consequently, Evans cannot comment on Jones` current mindset regarding fighting or retirement but understands the profound difficulty some athletes face in leaving a sport that has defined them completely.
“I don`t currently know Jon Jones, and I`m unsure if there`s an internal drive or need for him to continue,” Evans commented. “Sometimes, after dedicating so much time to something, it becomes intrinsically linked to your identity. The prospect of redefining yourself away from that can be daunting, perhaps something one isn`t ready to confront or relinquish.”
“Since I`m not in contact with Jon Jones now, I don`t know if this potential struggle with identity outside the sport is even a factor he`s considering,” Evans added.
Evans shared his personal experience of retirement, recalling the uncertainty he faced after deciding to stop fighting and no longer having that as his primary identity.
He described a challenging period of introspection and self-discovery before finding a new direction. Evans now feels secure in his identity, separate from his fighting career. He questions whether Jones is contemplating these deeper personal aspects as he considers retirement.
“I went through an incredibly difficult time,” Evans stated, describing the process of rediscovering himself as “literal hell.” It involved intense self-questioning, examining past choices, confronting painful memories, and significant introspection. He noted that not everyone is prepared for this challenging internal work, and some may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that negatively impact their well-being.
“I sincerely hope he is able to navigate that transition smoothly,” Evans concluded. “The challenges one faces outside of fighting become significantly different and potentially harder to manage when you are no longer in the spotlight as a major star.”
