Anthony Smith, a well-known UFC light heavyweight fighter, has come forward to support Jon Jones' decision to retain his UFC heavyweight title as he recovers from a torn pectoral muscle. Despite interim champion Tom Aspinall being crowned in his absence, Jones has been granted the privilege to maintain his title due to his legendary status in MMA history.

During a media day for UFC Vegas 83, Smith expressed his unwavering support for his former opponent. He acknowledged that while he may not always see eye to eye with Jones, he believes that Jones has earned the right to make his own decisions. "Jon Jones can do whatever the f*** he wants. Really. He's earned that," stated Smith.

Smith highlighted Jones' track record of never backing down from a challenge, always taking on the best fighters in the sport and leaving a trail of defeated opponents in his wake. This, according to Smith, grants him a deserved grace period in which he can retain his title while recovering.

Aspinall, on the other hand, has called for Jones' title to be stripped during his absence. However, Smith vehemently disagrees, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jones' accomplishments and maintaining the integrity of the sport. "I think in terms of him and Stipe, I think both those guys should be able to do whatever they want. I think they've earned it. I think they deserve it," Smith asserted.

Following Jones' injury, UFC CEO Dana White made the decision not to offer Aspinall or Sergei Pavlovich an opportunity to fight for the title, as he believed it would be disrespectful to Jones' status as one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history. Instead, White opted to keep Stipe Miocic, the reigning heavyweight champion, sidelined until Jones is healthy again, ensuring a highly anticipated bout between the two fighters in 2024.

Smith recognizes that this decision may cause frustration among some fighters, including Aspinall. However, he believes that the Jones vs. Miocic matchup is a significant event that should not be missed, despite the interim title situation. "Do we really want to miss another super fight?" Smith questioned. He referenced previous instances, such as the highly anticipated Anderson Silva vs. Georges St-Pierre bout, where opportunities for memorable matchups were lost. Smith urged fans and critics to not "f*** this one up" and to allow Jones to heal and face Miocic.

In the meantime, Aspinall can stay active by fighting other contenders until Jones and Miocic settle their business in the octagon once and for all. Smith acknowledged the peculiar circumstance of having an interim champion while Jones defends his title against someone who does not hold that status, but he emphasized that the rules in MMA can sometimes be bent to meet the desires of fans and spectators.

As the recovery period continues for Jones, the anticipation for his clash with Miocic grows. The decision to allow Jones to retain his heavyweight title during this time has sparked debate, but Smith, along with many other MMA enthusiasts, believes it is crucial to prioritize the highly anticipated super fight between two seasoned champions.