According to Ben Askren, Jon Jones’ recent criticisms of Francis Ngannou’s “baddest man on the planet” title are hypocritical and weird. Jones was inactive for three years while Ngannou fought and won the UFC heavyweight title. Askren suggests that Jones could have fought Ngannou at any point during his break, but he chose not to.

Ngannou’s claim to be the best heavyweight in the world is just as legitimate as Jones’, given his impressive record in the division. Askren admits that Jones would likely win a fight between the two, but that doesn’t change the fact that Ngannou has a right to call himself a champion.