Jon Jones Praises Chimaev and Makhachev in Interview

Jon Jones, a former two-division UFC champion widely regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, praised reigning middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev and two-division champion Islam Makhachev during a recent interview in Thailand, where he served as a coach on the ALF Reality show.

Speaking to Red Corner MMA while leading a team opposite longtime rival Daniel Cormier, Jones highlighted Chimaev's undefeated record and versatility across weight classes. The 31-year-old Chechen fighter, known as "Borz," improved his professional mark to 15-0 with a dominant victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, capturing the middleweight belt at 185 pounds. Jones, who has held titles in light heavyweight and heavyweight, expressed confidence in Chimaev's ability to compete successfully in up to four divisions.

"I think Khamzat Chimaev can win at any weight," Jones said. "I think he is one of the top fighters on the planet right now. I think he is big enough to compete with heavyweights. I think he is still small enough to go down. I think he makes a great welterweight. I'd love to see him at light heavyweight. I think he'd do great against these guys like Alex Pereira and Magomed...