Paddy Pimblett has made his feelings clear on Jon Jones as ex-UFC champion retires without facing Tom Aspinall

Paddy Pimblett has made his feelings clear on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall amid the MMA legend's retirement.

Jones called time on his legendary UFC career last weekend, walking away from a super-fight against Aspinall, who has been elevated to the UFC heavyweight champion.

He is viewed by fans and critics alike as the GOAT following his impressive body of work, having captured UFC titles in two different weight classes.

'Bones' reigned as the UFC light-heavyweight champion at the peak of his powers before claiming the UFC heavyweight title when he beat Ciryl Gane in March 2023.

He was known for his fight IQ, beating the likes of Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans and Stipe Miocic during his distinguished career.

Pimbeltt holds Jones in high regards as he hailed his fight IQ.

Jon Jones has retired from the UFC. Image: Getty

Speaking after his third-round victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 last April, Pimblett said: "Yeah, (I can see my growth), I think I’ve got the best fight IQ in the game other than Jon Jones, I’ve got the best fight IQ in the game, I don’t think anyone’s got better fight IQ than me and I couldn’t wait to throw a 12-6 elbow."

Pimblett even backed Jones to beat his pal and fellow countryman Aspinall had they fought inside the famed Octagon.

"I love Aspinall, me lad, he’s my mate and that, but I can never pick against Jon Jones because we’ve never seen him get beat," he said at a fan Q&A.

"I think now, if anyone’s going to beat him, it is Aspinall.

"Aspinall could just knock him out and come out with his hands and knock him clean out. But I’ve never picked against Jon Jones."

But Pimblett called for the UFC to strip Jones of the UFC heavyweight title before he announced his retirement.

"I don’t think they should make Islam [Makhachev] vacate," he told TNT Sports last month. "If you’re making Islam vacate, [Jon] Jones needs to be stripped. If you’re making Islam vacate after four defenses, fighting people on short notice, you should let him try to be double champ."