Shields on Jones — ‘He did this to himself… but can still be the GOAT’

“He’s doing it to himself,” said World Series of Fighting’s Jake Shields when BJPENN.COM’s Layzie The Savage brought up Jon Jones, “It’s sad because he’s so talented, one of my favorite fighters. He’s got so much talent, could be one of the greatest of all time. So I really hope he gets it together and actually learns this time.”

Shields is preparing for his upcoming title fight against the welterweight champion Rousimar Palhares. The former UFC fighter said that he has stuck up for Jones in the past, even after some of his previous issues outside of the octagon, but says this time it just went too far.

As for the decisions his previous employers made, to strip Jones of his title and suspend him, Shields says he’s a little torn.

“I really don’t know, that’s a tough call. I personally wanted to see Jon Jones fight, so from a fan perspective I’m bummed that he’s not fighting, but from a business perspective it was probably the correct decision.”

Shields seems to echo what a lot of fighters have been saying, that Jones can come back and still be a great fighter. However, Shields said that in order for that to happen a few things have to change.

“I definitely think he can bounce back, I don’t know if he will. It depends on what he does with his personal life,” said Shields, who added, “He never really fell off, he just fell of party wise. So, if he can get that together and come back, he could be the greatest 205 pounder of all time.”

By: Ryan C. Miller | @ryancmiller1630

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