Veteran Boxer Explains Why Jon Jones' Legacy Shadows Floyd Mayweather's

Arnold Barboza Jr. recently tackled an unusual comparison between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC great Jon Jones. While both often dictate the GOAT debate in their respective sports, Barboza believes Jones' 27-1 record stands taller than Mayweather's perfect 50-0. The difference might lie in how each sport treats matchups.

Arnold Barboza Jr. Details Why Jon Jones' Resume Is More Impressive

In a recent Kick stream, fans floated an interesting comparison between Jones and Mayweather, wondering which of the two legacies is harder to replicate. Barboza replied without hesitation. 

"F—, that's a good f—— question. I think 27-1. For sure, yeah."

The 33-0 boxer's line of reasoning was simple: 

"Because in boxing, well, Mayweather fought some good people, bro, but they were picked. Like, they’re very well chosen for the time, you know?"

Arnold Barboza Jr. CLAIMED Jon Jones 27-1 record is MORE IMPRESSIVE than Floyd Mayweather's 50-0 and said boxing lets fighters pick their opponents while the UFC forces the BEST to fight the BEST 😳👀 "In boxing you can curate your matchups." "In the UFC, Dana White forces the best to fight the best."

— Cage ☆ (@CageClips) October 6, 2026

The UFC double champion, however, didn't have that liberty, fighting whoever the division threw at him. From former champions to deadly contenders, names like Stipe Miocic, Ciryl Gane, and Daniel Cormier all bit the dust against 'Bones'. 

"And in UFC, in, you know, MMA world, Dana (White) doesn’t really give them that option. The best fight the best, you know? So to go 27-1, fool, in the UFC, bro, in MMA, I think is more impressive."

This is where the distinction gets even clearer. With multiple promotions and sanctioning bodies like WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO, boxers get more control over their opponents. UFC, meanwhile, maintains the MMA scene with an iron fist. Hence, the matchmakers ultimately decide which fights finalize.

That changes the equation completely. While this is not to discredit Floyd Mayweather's own illustrious career, he clearly had more authority over who he stepped inside the ring with. Even so, 'Money' was in his own league, winning 15 major world championships across five weight classes, and stringing together 27 knockouts.

However, Floyd Mayweather is not exactly done cementing his legacy just yet. 

Floyd Mayweather Willing to End Retirement

The 49-year-old hung up his gloves for a third time after knocking out Conor McGregor in 2017 to get his perfect 50-0 record. Since then, he has stayed involved in the sport through exhibition bouts, notably against Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, and KSI's brother Deji.

However, in a statement earlier this year, the American boxer has expressed his willingness to leave retirement for another pro boxing spell. He also announced another exhibition bout with Mike Tyson, which hasn't materialized yet. A pro clash against Manny Pacquiao also went sideways after initial talks broke down. 

Now, Ryan Garcia heads that conversation, challenging Mayweather's unbeaten record in an intimidating message. Meanwhile, UFC phenom Jon Jones has also joked about putting on his gloves again after rival Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight title last month.