Terence Crawford, the boxing champion known for his self-discipline and clean living, has named Jon Jones as his favorite UFC fighter. Crawford made this surprising admission during a recent appearance on the FullSend podcast.
"Jon Jones is my boy, man!" Crawford said. He mentioned other fighters like Khabib, Mirsad Bektic, and Aljo, but emphasized, "Jones, he's different."
Crawford's admiration for Jones stands in stark contrast to his own lifestyle. The boxer is known for his strict principles and pursuit of perfection. He's previously stated, "I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't really party. Your body is a temple." Crawford's commitment to clean living stems from watching family members struggle with addiction.
Jones, on the other hand, has had a career marked by both incredible achievements and significant controversies. He's been a dominant force in the UFC, holding titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. But Jones has also faced repeated issues outside the cage, including failed drug tests and legal troubles.
Despite these differences, Crawford's respect for Jones seems to be based solely on his in-ring performance. "He's just special. Whatever else, you can't deny what he's done in there," Crawford explained.
This admiration comes at a time when Jones' name is once again at the center of UFC discussions. There's talk of a potential UFC event at the White House on July 4, 2026, to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The event could draw more than 20,000 fans and global attention.
However, UFC President Dana White has called Jones' participation a "billion-to-one long shot" due to past issues. Former fighter Chael Sonnen echoed this sentiment on The Ariel Helwani Show:
"No one is going to take those glorious spots except for the people who earned them by showing their loyalty back to the industry. Jon does not deserve to have a main event spot on the White House card."
In response, Jones has re-entered the testing pool and resumed training. He's described fighting at the White House as a "greater purpose."
Crawford's unexpected praise for Jones sharpens the ongoing debate about the fighter's legacy. While some fans agree with Crawford's respect for Jones' unmatched skills, others side with Sonnen, feeling that Jones' past missteps should disqualify him from such an honor.
The contrast between Crawford and Jones couldn't be clearer. Crawford represents the classic formula of sacrifice and discipline in combat sports. Jones embodies raw talent and controversy in equal measure. Yet Crawford's admiration for Jones serves as a reminder that in combat sports, in-ring achievements often overshadow outside-the-ring behavior in the eyes of fellow fighters and fans alike.
