UFC

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

September 18, 2026Diego Herrera3 мин

Islam Makhachev, UFC welterweight champion, states that Jon Jones consistently avoids accountability for his past transgressions outside the cage.

Jones defended his legacy when Daniel Cormier, a two-time rival, continued to question his status as the UFC's greatest fighter. Cormier has frequently dismissed Jones's claim to the GOAT title due to multiple failed drug tests during his career, notably before their scheduled rematch at UFC 200, which was ultimately canceled.

Cormier ranks UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, his long-time teammate, as the top fighter in UFC history. Islam Makhachev also presents a strong argument, having secured belts in multiple weight classes.

Jones recently used social media to criticize Cormier's remarks about the GOAT debate and encouraged Makhachev to maintain his current success. Following Jones's widely circulated comments, Makhachev offered a sharp response.

Islam Makhachev on Jon Jones's Defense of Past Drug Use

Makhachev addressed Jones's justification of his controversial past in a recent tweet.

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

Jones had previously questioned Makhachev's standing among the greatest fighters, referencing an early 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 in his heavyweight bout at UFC 331 this weekend.

Jones, Makhachev, and others continue to share their views on the UFC's GOAT discussion. According to Jones, Makhachev still has a significant path ahead before he can be considered in that conversation.


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

Islam Makhachev, UFC welterweight champion, asserts that Jon Jones has consistently evaded responsibility for his past rule-breaking incidents.

Jones's past came under scrutiny again as rival Daniel Cormier continued to debate his GOAT status. Cormier has repeatedly challenged Jones's claim to the greatest of all time title, citing multiple failed drug tests, particularly the one that led to the cancellation of their UFC 200 rematch.

Cormier places Khabib Nurmagomedov, his long-time teammate and UFC Hall of Famer, at the top of his GOAT rankings. UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev also has a compelling case, having won championships in multiple divisions.

Jones recently took to social media to mock Cormier's comments on the GOAT debate and advised Makhachev to stay on his current course. Makhachev did not respond kindly to Jones's remarks.

Islam Makhachev Addresses Jon Jones's Past Controversies

In a recent tweet, Makhachev reacted to Jones's defense of his history of rule-breaking.

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

Jones had previously questioned Makhachev's potential GOAT status, referencing an early knockout loss. Makhachev recently surpassed Anderson Silva's UFC win streak record with his victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

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

The debate over the UFC's greatest fighter continues, with Jones, Makhachev, and others weighing in. Jones believes Makhachev still has significant progress to make before being considered in the GOAT conversation.