The return of boxing legend Mike Tyson to the ring at 58 years old against Jake Paul drew widespread attention, but not all reactions were positive—especially when it came to how Tyson presented himself before and during the fight. Among the many figures who weighed in on Tyson’s performance was UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who shared his candid thoughts about Tyson’s return and his decision to fight at such an advanced age.

A Difficult Watch for Jones

Jon Jones, often regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, admitted that it was tough to watch Tyson in the ring. “I did catch the fight, and it was hard to watch him,” Jones said, clearly expressing his concern over seeing a once-dominant Tyson struggle with the physical limitations that come with age.

Tyson, whose legendary career in the 80s and 90s made him a household name, had been out of the competitive boxing scene for years before coming back for a spectacle fight against Paul. Even though Tyson had been training hard and showing off his physique in promotional videos leading up to the event, it was clear that age had taken its toll. “Red Jones Jr. kept saying it—’Those legs aren’t working,'” Jones remarked, underscoring just how difficult it was to watch the fight play out. “It was really hard to see.”

Jones went on to note that Tyson, despite all the training and preparation, just wasn’t the same fighter he once was. “He really sold it with the highlight videos of his training and his physique, but the reality is, those legs just weren’t moving like they used to,” Jones said.

The “A**” Moment: A Surprising Move

While Tyson’s struggle in the ring was hard to ignore, Jones also had a humorous—and slightly critical—take on Tyson’s behavior leading up to the fight. He was referring to a moment where Tyson seemingly went a little too far in promoting his physique before the event.

“Mike’s a freak, dude. I’m like, Mike, you old nasty old man, you old dirty man!” Jones laughed. “I wish he wouldn’t have shown us his A**.” This was a reference to Tyson’s somewhat unorthodox choice to post a video showing off his physique, including a moment that some fans found a little over the top. Tyson, known for his raw personality, had no problem flaunting his fit body, but to Jones, it was a step too far.

“Mike didn’t have to do that,” Jones continued. “But that’s just Mike. He’s a freak in the best way. He’s always been unapologetic about who he is, but still… I wish he’d kept that to himself.”

Respect for Tyson’s Courage

Despite the mixed feelings about Tyson’s return and some of the more unusual moments leading up to the fight, Jones still expressed a deep level of respect for Tyson’s decision to step back in the ring. At 58, Tyson is nearly two decades older than Jones himself, and his decision to fight again was a bold one.

“I respect him so much for getting in there,” Jones said. “That was the cool part, just seeing him compete again. A lot of people wish they could have seen him fight live, so even though it was hard to watch, I appreciate him giving the fans that experience.”

Tyson’s comeback wasn’t about regaining his championship status or proving that he could still dominate the sport; it was about the spectacle and the nostalgia. Jones acknowledged that Tyson wasn’t trying to relive his glory days, but instead, was simply honoring his legacy and giving the world one last chance to see him compete, even if it was against someone like Jake Paul.

“I’m sure he got paid really well, and I’m sure it was a good deal for him. But honestly, I think he was doing it for the fans,” Jones said. “He wanted to give people the chance to see him compete one more time. And for that, I thank him.”

Jake Paul’s Strategy: Playing It Smart

While Tyson’s age and limitations were evident, Jake Paul, who has made a name for himself in the boxing world with his controversial rise, faced criticism for not finishing Tyson earlier in the fight. However, Jon Jones wasn’t convinced that Paul was being merciful—he believed Paul was simply fighting with intelligence and patience.

“I don’t think Jake gave him mercy. I think Jake played it smart,” Jones explained. “Jake’s winning the fight, so why risk it? He wasn’t going to put himself in a position to get caught by a crazy Tyson punch.”

Jones pointed out that Tyson’s knockout power was still a significant threat, even though his legs were no longer able to support his frame. “Mike can still drop anyone with one shot,” Jones said. “Jake wasn’t going to play with fire. He stayed patient, coasted through the fight, and made sure he didn’t take unnecessary risks.”

Conclusion: A Legacy Respected, But a Tough Watch

Jon Jones’s reaction to Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul reflects a mixture of admiration for Tyson’s bravery and a realistic understanding of the challenges that come with age. While the fight itself wasn’t a highlight reel of Tyson’s once-dominant power, it was a testament to his legacy and his courage to step back in the ring. For Jones, watching Tyson—who had once been at the peak of the sport—struggle with mobility was difficult, but it only made him respect the fighter even more.

“I’m sure there were a lot of people who wished they could see Mike at his best, but the reality is, we got to see him compete, and that’s something a lot of people didn’t think would happen,” Jones said. “So, for that, I respect him.”

And as for the unexpected moment with Tyson showing off a little too much of his physique, Jones couldn’t help but chuckle: “I wish he wouldn’t have shown us his A**.” But in the end, it was Tyson’s courage and legacy that mattered the most, and that’s something that no amount of awkward moments could ever overshadow.