UFC icon Jon Jones has weighed in on football’s biggest debate, picking Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi.
The Ronaldo vs. Messi argument has dominated world football for more than a decade, with fans, athletes, and celebrities regularly choosing sides between the two all-time greats. Jones has now made his preference clear, and his reasoning appears to be based not only on footballing admiration but also on a personal connection.
In a quote shared by MMA Fighting, ‘Bones’ stated:
“Messi or Ronaldo? I’m going with Ronaldo, all day. Ronaldo. I actually have a relationship with Ronaldo. Gotta go with my friend.”
Check out the post below:
Jon Jones Explains Why He Sides With Cristiano Ronaldo in Messi Debate
Jon Jones’ answer adds another interesting crossover moment between MMA and football. While Messi is widely celebrated for his World Cup triumph with Argentina, playmaking brilliance, and record-breaking career at Barcelona, Ronaldo remains one of the most globally recognised athletes in history due to his longevity, goal-scoring record, physical discipline, and success across multiple major leagues.
For ‘Bones,’ however, the decision was straightforward. The UFC icon chose Ronaldo and made it clear that his personal relationship with the Portuguese superstar played a role in his pick.
The answer is unlikely to settle the debate, but it will certainly spark discussion among fans of both athletes. Jones is no stranger to GOAT debates himself, having spent much of his career being discussed as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His dominance across the light heavyweight division, followed by his move to heavyweight, has placed him in similar conversations within combat sports.
That makes his opinion on another sporting GOAT debate particularly interesting. Ronaldo and Messi have long represented two different paths to greatness. Messi is often praised for natural genius and creativity, while Ronaldo is widely admired for athleticism, work ethic, mentality, and relentless self-improvement.
Jones’ pick may not come as a technical football breakdown, but it highlights Ronaldo’s global influence beyond the sport. The Portuguese forward’s reach extends deep into combat sports, entertainment, and wider pop culture, with several elite fighters often referencing his discipline and winning mentality.
For now, Jones has made his stance clear. In the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, the UFC legend is firmly backing Ronaldo.
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