You have to sit back and look at it all in context. Much of what Joe did up until 2006 is really a wash. He stayed in a weak division and fough mostly fringe opponents. It is a shame because he was then a better fighter than he is now. He could have made some real waves if he moved to 175 earlier.

Right now he will have a tough time beating the fighters you mention. It is not impossible though and if he does, people will look back on him favorably. Jones in his prime had that superman aura about him and it will be practically impossible to overcome.