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UFC

Jon Jones pays touching tribute to Muhammad Ali

By Damon Martin FoxSports
Published | Updated
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Muhammad Ali was regarded as "the greatest of all time" when it came to the sport of boxing and one of his biggest fans may be the fighter who will go down as the best mixed martial arts has ever seen.

Following news about Ali's death on Friday, UFC interim light heavyweight champion Jon Jones released a touching tribute to the iconic athlete via Instagram.

Jones heard the news and immediately recorded a video in which he talked about how much Ali has inspired him throughout his life and fight career.

"Only a few minutes away from Muhammad Ali's passing, I'll never forget this historic moment," Jones said. "Muhammad Ali has been a huge inspiration to me, not only in my personal life but in my fighting career. He taught me the importance of self-belief. No matter what people said, no matter what the situation was, he showed me that it's OK to just believe in yourself."

Jones also paid homage to Ali's willingness to fight for what he believed in, no matter the consequences.

Ali is remembered for famously objecting to the Vietnam War and refusing to be drafted into the Army while taking a stand as a Muslim and speaking out against violence.

Just months just before his death, Ali condemned radical terrorist group ISIS and even took a veiled shot at presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had suggested that Muslims be banned from entering the United States.

Jones was a fan of Ali for everything he represented and how he was such an incredible figure to look up to throughout his formative years and his fight career.

"He raised the bar for mankind. Taught us the importance of standing up for what you thought was right," Jones said. "Muhammad Ali was innovative. He was one of a kind. There will never be another Muhammad Ali."

In the end, Jones saluted Ali and offered his best to Ali's family, and it's clear the UFC star will have a heavy heart in the coming days after the loss of a legend.

"I just want to thank him for being him," Jones said. "Thank him for being the magnificent example he was. I love you, Ali. Rest in peace and may your family have peace. God bless."