“Could Beat Any Fighter With Right Mindset”: Jon Jones Makes Bold Khamzat Chimaev Prediction

Having done almost everything in the sport, including two division titles, landmark wins over the best fighters of a generation, and a career that has survived controversy, injury, and absence, Jon Jones' statements surely carry some weight. 

And right now, ‘Bones’ believes Khamzat Chimaev’s ceiling is still the top of the sport despite a championship loss. 

Jon Jones Praises Khamzat Chimaev

Jones was reminded of his previous claim that Chimaev could defeat heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall during a recent interview with AFL Global. The interviewer then asked him to name a fighter who can currently beat the Chechen-born star. 

“I think Hamzat, if he walks into the room with the right mental attitude, could beat any fighter right now,” Jones answered. 

When asked who was better in his prime, him or Chimaev, Jones immediately responded, saying he was the best equipped with dynamic kickboxing, explosive wrestling, and strong cardio. He said, “I love Khamzat…I was really good. My kickboxing is really dynamic. My wrestling is really explosive.”

“My submissions are really strong, my cardio, my physical strength, my confidence. In my prime, I believe I was the absolute best for a reason,” Jones added. 

However, the 40-year-old stated that he is no longer at that level and admitted that Khamzat is a problem for anyone right now. 

“I'm not in my prime anymore. You know, I'm almost 40 years old now. And I'm comfortable saying that Khamzat, I mean, he's a problem for anybody. I'm grateful to be his friend and his fan,” Jones concluded. 

Jones Offered Chimaev Advice After His First MMA Loss

After staying undefeated for almost six years in the UFC, ‘Borz’ tasted defeat at the hands of Sean Strickland in his first title defense. 

Strickland did enough with his striking to earn the nod from the judges at UFC 328 in May 2026. Being a favorite in the lead-up to the bout, the loss came as a shock to many Chimaev fans, including Jones. 

“It was hard to see him lose; I was surprised,” Jones admitted. But was quick to mention that one loss doesn’t define a fighter's legacy, especially for those with champion-caliber like Chimaev.

Reflecting on his UFC 328 performance, Jones provided a blueprint for Chimaev on his road back. Seen as a fighter who is hard to take down, Chimaev got out-wrestled by Strickland. He couldn’t get through Strickland’s Philly shell guard and seemed gassed out in the further rounds. 

Citing those mistakes, Jones said, “I think when he got taken down, I think that was the main shift. If I was Khamzat, I would work on my weaknesses."

He added, “I would say maybe switching up your endurance routine and spend more time on your back… we don't really see him on his back very often. So I would go back to the drawing board.” 

In a broader view, Jones stated that a talent like Chimaev doesn't disappear after one loss. The loss either breaks them or sharpens them. And based on Chimaev’s social media updates, he appears firmly in preparations for his next fight.