Magomed Ankalaev continues firing shots at 'GOAT' Jon Jones with a 'duck' twist

Top-ranked fighters Magomed Ankalaev and Tom Aspinall have both recently accused their divisional champions, Alex Pereira and Jon Jones, of ducking potential matchups. Ankalaev extended the accusation to Jones recently, questioning the UFC heavyweight champion’s willingness to face interim champion Aspinall.

With Jones set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on Nov. 16, fans and fighters alike have speculated about his next move. Jones has expressed a preference for a fight with Pereira over Aspinall, sparking widespread debate about him sidestepping a potential matchup against a tougher, younger fighter.

Ankalaev, expected to be next in line for Pereira’s light heavyweight title, used social media to mock Jones' selective approach. He posted a photoshopped image of Jones in duck-print shorts, taking a direct jab at the widely regarded greatest of all time in the organization.

Check out Magomed Ankalaev's X post below:

In the past, Pereira claimed that Ankalaev was too "boring" to deserve a UFC title shot. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira shared his belief that the UFC considers Ankalaev’s style too dull to merit another title opportunity.

The Russian took on Jan Blachowicz for the vacant 205-pound title at UFC 282. However, the fight ended in a controversial split draw and the UFC went on to book a fight between Pereira and Jiri Prochazka for the vacant title instead at UFC 295.

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Jon Jones responds to fans calling him a "duck" ahead of UFC 309

Ahead of his highly anticipated return at UFC 309, Jon Jones has addressed recent accusations of ducking a title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Jones appears unfazed by these claims, focusing instead on his upcoming clash with former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.

Although fans have called for a showdown with Aspinall, Jones expressed a preference for a potential fight with Alex Pereira, a matchup he believes holds greater significance for his legacy. He dismissed these criticisms as juvenile during a recent Instagram live session and said:

“I see quite a few people here calling me a duck. I’m a duck. Call me a duck, call me a chicken, call me a goat, call me a dog. I’m not in high school anymore, guys. [I’m a] grown man out here chasing his dreams. It’s funny that we really live in a world where being called a duck should affect me. Guys, come on.”

Check out Jon Jones' comments below: