As for the fight between John Jones and Tom Aspinel in the UFC, Rashad Evans admits that there is a part of him who actually hopes that it never happens.
Now, undoubtedly, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and the UFC Hall of Fame love to fight, but he also knows Jones’s interests, widely considered the greatest fighter of all time, with a record with little wounds other than his only loss. When it comes to career achievements, Jones essentially sits in his own category.
But Evans explains why he recognizes the potential shortcomings of that matchup as much as Jones wants him to fight Aspinel.
“Here’s what I’ve been torn about about it,” Evans told MMA Fighting. “My part, my fans definitely want to see it. I definitely want to see it. But the other part of me that I’m so impressed with how John Jones can do, I want to see him on top and not even need to fight again.
“There’s always someone there because there’s something about it. He beat Tom Aspinel, people (say) yeah, there’s this new guy. Always the last dragon will bump into him.
Part of Jones’ argument facing aspinel is largely summed up in the overall British heavyweight resume, with similar concerns that if he wins, another challenger will soon be waiting on the wings.
On almost every measure, Jones is doing enough to retire now, and his legacy is set to stone, but how much will it change if he loses?
Evans says that is another part of his argument over the fight. Because he knows that age will eventually catch up with everyone and Jones will never be able to escape from getting older.
“There’s something certain here, and you’ll get time in the end,” Evans said. “Whoever you are, John is very blessed in the octagon and he really remains undefeated and was able to do it despite his close fight.
“But in the end, you’re hanging long enough to the barber shop. You get a haircut. You’ll be cut once. I’m on your page.
Evans was once very close when Jones was training at Greg Jackson’s gym in New Mexico, but he hasn’t spoken to his former teammates for quite some time.
That’s why Evans can’t speak to Jones’ current mentality about the fight or the potential end of his career, but he knows that it’s really hard for some athletes to leave when the sport becomes their identity.
“I don’t know John Jones now, I don’t know if there’s a part of him in some sense,” Evans said. “It can be part of who you are because you can be in something for a long time. Rediscovering yourself in any other frame may not be something you are ready to explore, or something you are ready to give up.
“I don’t know John Jones right now, so I don’t know if it’s even a story that’s his concern.”
Evans can talk about her career from personal experiences. He decided it was time to wear gloves and no longer recognized the fight and was unsure of which direction he was heading.
He eventually went on another path, much time and soul was explored, and Evans was resolved in his identity, both inside and outside the cage. Evans doesn’t know if that’s even the subject Jones broached while considering the potential end of his career.
“I went through hell,” Evans said. “I went through literal hell just by rediscovering who I am, I just questioned my decisions, reliving some painful memories and decisions I made, and looking for many souls.
“I want him to be able to make that transition. When you’re no longer a pay-per-view star, they take on a different complexion, so he can make that transition.”