"Almost isn't a win" - Jon Jones' former opponent recalls mistake that cost him a win over 'Bones'

Former UFC light heavyweight Vitor Belfort has labeled Jon Jones as the GOAT of MMA after reflecting on their closely contested bout at UFC 152.

'Bones' defended the 205lb title for a fourth successive time when he faced Vitor Belfort in the octagon at UFC 152 back in 2012. The pair fought an intense battle that lasted until the fourth-round before Jones locked in a keylock submission to take the victory. The American would also earn a Submission of the Night bonus for his creative finish over Belfort.

Now, over 10 years after the fight, 'The Phenom' took to Twitter to reflect on his loss to Jon Jones. According to Belfort, he learned many lessons during their fight and believes a simple mistake cost him the victory:

"The fight I almost won, but almost is not a win. What lessons I learned: Never let the sheep on you make decisions when it is time to become the LION. PURE aggression, ready to execute the hunting. @JonnyBones my hardest competitor, the greatest @UFC fighter."

Jon Jones will be hoping to channel the kind words from Belfort as he prepares to make his heavyweight debut later this year. 'Bones' is set to face off against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 for the vacant title following Francis Ngannou's release last month.

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Curtis Blaydes lists his advantages over Jon Jones

With Jon Jones set to enter his weightclass for the first time, heavyweight staple Curtis Blaydes has weighed in on the 35-year-old's chances in the division.

'Razor' is on a three-fight winstreak and currently sits at the No.4 spot in the rankings. The 31-year-old believes he is close to his first title shot and is prepared should that opportunity comes against Jon Jones.

According to Blaydes, Jones will not have the same advantage as he did at 205lbs. 'Razor' instead insisted that he would hold the edge in power, size and explosiveness should the pair meet inside the octagon in the future:

"Just the difference between 215 or 197 compared to heavyweight, when you're on the bottom, when he's underneath me, which I do plan on him being underneath me. He's gonna use a lot more energy than what he's used to using. I think that'll be the biggest factor [during the wrestling exchanges]... Size, power, explosiveness [are all to my advantage]. He's not the most explosive guy, he's very creative with the striking, but he's not very explosive. I think he's more well-rounded, but [I have advantages in] the wrestling, the size, the explosion, and power."

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