About this episodeDemetrios Johnson and Shannon Sharpe discuss Jon Jones' legacy in MMA, with Johnson refusing to name Jones the…AI summary
Demetrios Johnson and Shannon Sharpe discuss Jon Jones' legacy in MMA, with Johnson refusing to name Jones the GOAT due to steroid use despite acknowledging his unparalleled talent. Johnson recounts the emotional devastation of his fight being canceled due to Jones' positive test, comparing it to a painful breakup, and details the physical mechanics of his knockout loss to Jones.
Key takeaways 5
Steroids provide a significant recovery advantage in combat sports, allowing fighters to train intensely on consecutive days without the fatigue that natural athletes experience.
Jon Jones possesses a unique physical and technical 'toolbox' (length, skills, athleticism) that makes him the most talented fighter in MMA history, even if his legacy is tarnished by PEDs.
Johnson compares the heartbreak of his title fight being canceled to losing a first love, emphasizing the emotional and financial stakes tied to the opponent's participation.
The mechanics of Johnson's knockout loss involved Jones using body kicks to lower Johnson's guard before landing a high head kick, followed by a leg kick that spun Johnson out of position for the finish.
Johnson believes Jon Jones would likely defeat Tom Aspinall in a heavyweight matchup, citing Jones' consistent ability to overcome perceived age disadvantages and defeat top contenders.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“You can't have steroids tied to your name... especially in fighting... He's the greatest talent the sport has ever seen. Have we ever seen someone in that sport that possessed the arsenal that he has? No.”
Johnson distinguishes between Jones' raw talent and his eligibility for the GOAT title due to PED use.
“It's like losing your first girlfriend... Our parents took us together... told us we could not see each other anymore. That's what it felt like.”
▶ 5:42Johnson describes the emotional impact of having his fight with Jones canceled due to a failed drug test.
“Imagine you're playing the Kansas City Chiefs and on Sunday they just don't show up. Think about it. We done practice all week that they just don't show up, but your game check is tied to them showing up.”
▶ 6:37Johnson explains the business and professional frustration of the canceled fight.
“He kept body kicking me... when I lean, he was not going low. He was going high. Caught you. Boom. Right on the side of the head. So then I started doing the chicken dance... he kicks my leg to spin me... I fell on my stomach... he jumped on me and started finishing.”
▶ 18:36Johnson details the specific sequence of strikes that led to his knockout loss against Jon Jones.
“I would probably say Jon Jones would win [against Tom Aspinall]. It's all I've seen him do. This is always the next best guy. This guy's going to beat me. This guy's going to beat Jon Jones. And what does Jon do? He vanquishes him.”
▶ 13:17Johnson predicts Jones' success against current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall based on Jones' history of defeating top contenders.
Chapters & Sections (56)▼
0:00Steroids in Professional Sports: Performance Enhancementchapter3
0:00Steroids in Professional Fighting
0:30Benefits of Prolonged Physical Endurance and Recovery
0:59Comparing Physical Prime and Work Productivity
1:29Perceptions of a Dominant Opponent's Strengthchapter2
1:29Overcoming Past Defeats in Sports
2:09Requirements for a Successful Heavyweight Fighter
2:34Jon Jones' Talent and Athleticism in MMAchapter2
2:34Jon Jones' Qualifications as Greatest of All Time
3:14Comparing MMA Fighters' Talents and Work Ethic
3:51Steroid Use in Combat Sportschapter3
3:51Steroid Use in Professional Fighting
4:27Anti-Doping Testing and Steroid Use
4:49Performance Enhancing Substances in Sports
5:38Overcoming Heartbreak and Disappointment in Relationshipschapter2
5:38First Love and Forbidden Relationships
6:09Disappointment and Frustration with Unmet Expectations
6:56UFC Fight Cancellation and Media Addresschapter2
6:56UFC Career Disappointment and Negotiation Challenges
7:41Breaking News and Media Scandal Preparation
8:16Taking a Short-Notice Fight with Anderson Silvachapter4
8:16Fighting Anderson Silva After a Personal Loss
8:37Preparing for Short-Notice Fights in MMA
9:30Watching Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin Fight
9:52Fighting a Legend in the Octagon
10:11MMA Fighting Style and Idolizationchapter3
10:11Competitive Sports and Aggressive Mindset
10:36Retirement Protocol and Fighting Expectations
10:58Assessing a Heavyweight Fighter's Skills and Abilities
11:36Comparing Age and Athletic Performancechapter1
11:36Comparing Age and Athletic Performance
13:00Jon Jones' Dominance in the UFCchapter2
13:00Jon Jones' Chances Against Upcoming Opponent
13:31Impressions of a Dominant Performance
14:12Mount Rushmore of MMA Fighters Discussionchapter3
14:12Potential Upset in Upcoming Boxing Match
14:44Ranking Greatest Mixed Martial Artists of All Time
15:07Mount Rushmore of Fighting: Notable Figures
15:31Comparing Athletes and Their Achievementschapter3
15:31Ranking Baseball's Greatest Players
16:08Consequences of Physical Altercations and Concussions
16:30Pre-Game Motivation and Super Bowl Expectations
16:55Experiencing a Knockout in a Fightchapter3
16:55Experiencing Concussions and Memory Loss
17:29Experiencing Emotional Breakdown After a Loss
17:51Experiencing Traumatic Event and Memory Loss
18:40Experiencing a Knockout in a Fightchapter2
18:40Experiencing a Tough Fight in the Ring
19:20Physical Altercation and Injury Description
19:56Experiencing Trauma and Loss in Combat Sportschapter2
19:56Experiencing a Physical Altercation and Its Aftermath