Who Can Defeat Jon "Bones" Jones?

[Turd Ferguson]

So far in his career, Jon Jones has run through notable fighters such as Stephan Bonnar, Jake O'Brien, Matt Hamill, Brandon Vera, Vladimir Matyshenko, Ryan Bader, and most notably, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Keep in mind that Jones only began training in MMA three years ago. In each fight, he's made each opponent look like they were nowhere close to his level. Jones is only 23 years old. He's nowhere close to being in his prime yet, and is already UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He is only going to get better, and that is a scary proposition for the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

My question is: Can anyone defeat Jon Jones?

He has never been in trouble. It wasn't crazy at all to think that Shogun would test his chin, or his submission defense. Shogun was absolutely dominated from beginning to end, and in the one time he caught Jones' leg, Jones quickly slipped out. Keep in mind that Shogun was dominated from beginning to end, and he might be the greatest light heavyweight in the history of Mixed Martial Arts.

I honestly don't see Rashad beating Jones. Jones is too quick, has better wrestling (Yup.) striking, and the reach advantage. Plus, we're going to see Jones with a true killer instinct for that fight... he seemed very pissed off at Rashad post-fight last night, and Rashad is going to be out of his element, training with a new camp after training with Greg Jackson his entire career. Rogan made the point that Rashad trains with Jones, therefore he may have some of the pieces of the puzzle to beat Jones. While this may be true, Jones probably knows what it takes to beat Rashad, and he has the guy who may know Rashad better than Rashad knows himself in his corner. Also, considering the fact that Jones improved very much in six weeks, imagine where he'll be, most likely four months from now for the Fourth of July weekend card against Rashad.

There's nobody in the Light Heavyweight Division in the UFC that can beat Jon Jones. I don't think Machida can. An unevolved Rampage can't. Neither can Thiago Silva, Randy Couture, and while Forrest Griffin matches up in terms of size, I'd bet my car on him being hilariously KO'ed if they fought.

And if Anderson Silva can be taken down at will by Chael Sonnen and controlled on the ground, I can only imagine what Jones would do to him, especially where he can likely defend a triangle.

The fight I want to see right now, and I bet it could happen by the end of the year if the rumors of his contract are true, is Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson. Considering his Olympic wrestling credentials, Hendo is the one fighter in the Light Heavyweight Division who you can say for sure has better wrestling than Jones. Hendo is also always one Big Right Hand away from ending the fight as well. I still think Jones would take the fight, but as of right now, I think it's the matchup that poses the biggest questions for him.

 

[The Crock]

Honestly, I can't see it being anybody aside from Hendo and even then it's a SLIM possibility. Hendo would be able to neutralize Jones' wrestling, but I don't think he'd survive on his feet. Sure, he has that huge right hand, but as long as Jones keeps his distance and uses his reach intelligently, I don't see that being an issue. I think it will be a long time before somebody takes that belt from Jones, he's too much a freak, for lack of a better word.

Concerning the possibility of an Anderson Silva-Jon Jones fight, I'd see Jones winning that too. Like you said about Chael, he took down Anderson at will and then got choked out on a bad mistake, that wouldn't happen to Jones. As long as Jones wouldn't be way too crazy and over excited he'd be fine in that fight.

 

[ROCKY VS CENA OMG]

I agree with you on Henderson. Henderson is the best wrestling LHW right now and is always one punch away from a knockout. A fighter like Jones comes once in a generation he is fast, good on his feet, amazing reach, great wrestling, and a good submission artist. He is only 23 and has 10-15 years in him. I can see him being the LHW division's Fedor in terms of dominance and the ability to take on top fighter after top fighter.

 

[jmt225]

There are two names who I feel stands a chance of beating Jon Jones at 205:

1. Anderson Silva
2. Gegard Mousasi

That's it. Dan Henderson is a beast at 205, no doubt, but still... it would take a hail mary for him to beat Jones, and I think Jones would be too smart to get caught with it.

The reason I give Silva and Mousasi a shot though is because they're the most elite strikers who can make 205, and I think as time goes on, Jones will become more confident in his striking and he will be willing to stand with those names. Now, if he wants to lay and pray those two, you have to imagine he could since Chael was able to do so to Anderson and King Mo was able to so to Mousasi. But, I don't think Jones wants to be that kind of fighter. He wants to be the best in the sport, while also giving the fans their money's worth by putting on entertaining fights. And with that mind-set, elite strikers will stand a chance against Jones.

Also, I would like to give an elite BJJ guy like Roger Gracie a shot against Jones, but Jones' stand-up is too good. Against a BJJ guy Jones should be able to keep any fight on the feet and have his way with them there.

It's scary just how good Jon Jones is. It really seems like the only person who will be able to beat him for sure is himself.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Forgive me, but I think I just need to point out that fighters are quite easily labelled as "unbeatable" after one impressive victory. I mean, sometimes it's accurate. Anderson Silva and Georges Saint Pierre (though, admittedly, they perhaps earned their reputations more gradually) have been dominant, aside from a little scare here and there, for example.

The Light Heavyweight Division seems particularly guilty of it. Before Jones, it was probably Machida who was most thought to be indestructible after he wrecked Evans. But, in a division where the title changes hands more often than the fucking Hardcore title did, Machida was decisively shown - twice - not to be the exception to the rule. Jones may look bulletproof now but might be shown up unexpectedly.

That's not to say that Jones has failed to impress me for a single second; nor that he won't be the first fighter in years to hold onto the LHW for more than two fights; nor even that Jones has had only one impressive victory rather than several; nor that Silva/Jones doesn't equal money. Though, if Sonnen can push Anderson to the limit, I don't see why Jones can't push him past it.

 

[jmt225]

You know, as I think about it, you know what name hasn't been raised up at this point?

Phil Davis.

Now, I'm picking Lil' Nog to beat Phil Davis in the Pick 'Em Contest, but if Davis goes out there and dominates Lil' Nog like Jones did Shogun, then I think a lot of people will start hyping the guy up as the one in the Light Heavyweight Division who could possibly defeat Jon Jones. Davis is definitely the only person who comes close to being the psychical specimen Jones is, if not surpassing him, and he's looked absolutely fantastic in all his fights up to this point in the UFC, so if he has a great showing Wednesday... man, then people will start to believe in the guy.

Moreover, another name I would like to bring up is Ricardo Arona.

Now, I have no idea what kind of shape Arona is in. I know he fought in 2009 against Marvin Eastman, but he hadn't fought before then since 2007. There were rumblings of him signing with the UFC back last fall, but nothing's been heard about him since.

Anyways, point is... if he were to get back to 2005 shape Ricardo Arona, he's another guy I would give a shot against Jon Jones. I have the utmost respect for Arona as a fighter, and I just think the prime version of him has the tools to beat anyone on any given night. However, at the same time, were he to go to the UFC, I wouldn't be surprised if they pressured him to going down to Middleweight, but if the guy had the same physique he had in Pride, then there's no way he could ever make that cut, nor should he since with that physique he can match-up with any Light Heavyweight, regardless of height.

[YOUTUBE]0akgOR9humo[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Fizzy]

There was a pic of Arona with a surf board somewhere on the internet JMT. He is RIPPED. Dude is fucking strong now. I hear he has a great life as a professional surfer in Brazil, and honestly I don't think he wants to come back. Making tons of cash to surf, and be on the beach all day? Sounds like a sweet deal. Arona is my favorite guy who was big in Pride. Dude was a savage, and his ground game was outstanding. To bad he will be remembered for being on the other end of Slampage. I wish he would come back because like I said I am a huge fan of the guy, and he is a fantastic fighter.

 

[Toroc102]

Forgive me, but I think I just need to point out that fighters are quite easily labelled as "unbeatable" after one impressive victory. I mean, sometimes it's accurate. Anderson Silva and Georges Saint Pierre (though, admittedly, they perhaps earned their reputations more gradually) have been dominant, aside from a little scare here and there, for example.

The Light Heavyweight Division seems particularly guilty of it. Before Jones, it was probably Machida who was most thought to be indestructible after he wrecked Evans. But, in a division where the title changes hands more often than the fucking Hardcore title did, Machida was decisively shown - twice - not to be the exception to the rule. Jones may look bulletproof now but might be shown up unexpectedly.

That's not to say that Jones has failed to impress me for a single second; nor that he won't be the first fighter in years to hold onto the LHW for more than two fights; nor even that Jones has had only one impressive victory rather than several; nor that Silva/Jones doesn't equal money. Though, if Sonnen can push Anderson to the limit, I don't see why Jones can't push him past it.

I dunno, I mean its easy to say now, but I was never on the Machida bandwagon like I am on Jones. I mean Machida looked so dominant against Rashad, but I've never liked Rashad anyway(honestly I don't think any fighter that comes off of TUF has ever been that good)

Jones however, he seriously looks like he should be a Heavyweight, I mean I have no idea how he is fighting in this division and he still seems to be faster than all the opposition. I thought Shogun's main strength would be his experience and speed but man Jones made him look like a snail, and Machida is even slower. And thats before taking into account that Jones is a hell of a lot stonger than he looks and much stronger than every opponent he's faced. I think Matt Hamill was probably the strongest guy he faced and he manhandled him.

Rashad? I already stated my opinion on TUF'ers and thats before you account for the fact that he has many disadvantages in common with the other fighters Jones has already faced(also like every TUF'er EVans is overrated. He only won the title from Griffin who only won it in a fight that I think he would've lost at least 7 times out of 10. And they we're both thoroughly demolished by truly skilled fighters(Silva, Machida). Basically if Rashad lost that way he did to Machida I don't see any reason why Jones wouldn't demolish him. Its not like he set the world on fire against Rampage(something else he has in common with Grif).

Now I'm not saying Jones can't be caught or anything, but he just has so many physical advantages, its hard to bet against him. I think for him to be truly challenged he would have to move to Heavyweight and face Cain/Brock/Shane.

Oh yeah, I like Hendo but I don;t think he'd fair any better than any of the other guys he's already faced did. Hell even Anderson Silva, the most skilled fighter in the world, imo, would just be to overwhelmed by Jones size, speed, and strength.

Basically I believe in Jon Jones.

 

[ITurnGirlsGay]

Forgive me, but I think I just need to point out that fighters are quite easily labelled as "unbeatable" after one impressive victory. I mean, sometimes it's accurate. Anderson Silva and Georges Saint Pierre (though, admittedly, they perhaps earned their reputations more gradually) have been dominant, aside from a little scare here and there, for example.

The Light Heavyweight Division seems particularly guilty of it. Before Jones, it was probably Machida who was most thought to be indestructible after he wrecked Evans. But, in a division where the title changes hands more often than the fucking Hardcore title did, Machida was decisively shown - twice - not to be the exception to the rule. Jones may look bulletproof now but might be shown up unexpectedly.

That's not to say that Jones has failed to impress me for a single second; nor that he won't be the first fighter in years to hold onto the LHW for more than two fights; nor even that Jones has had only one impressive victory rather than several; nor that Silva/Jones doesn't equal money. Though, if Sonnen can push Anderson to the limit, I don't see why Jones can't push him past it.

There's also a large difference between what Jon Jones has done and everyone else in the LHW division. I'm the world's largest Machida nuthugger, but you NEVER saw Machida manhandle anyone, save for Tito, like Jones has manhandled people.

It's not a question of a fighter looking dominant, it's that there hasn't even been a TEST for Jon Jones. Machida was almost caught in a triangle with Tito. Shogun made him look vulnerable in their first fight. Jon Jones has shown absolutely no vulnerability while taking world class fighters and making them look like jokes.

Anderson does this, and GSP does this. That's where the comparison comes in. Jon Jones, literally, toyed around with Shogun like he was some jobber to the stars. When was the last time you ever saw a world class fighter look that horrible over three rounds?

He did the same thing to Ryan Bader, Matyushenko, Vera, and Hamill. At what point to people want to stop making excuses for Shogun and realize, he's just another fighter in a growing line that Jones has just looked like a man in the octagon with a child?

It's not even the wrestling, although that's fucking HUGE, it's the length, the patience, the maturity, and the ability for him to piece all these things together like we've seen so many people before him try to do and fail. Jon Jones' reach is longer than anyone in the sport. How do you contend with that when he's so explosive on the feet and even more deadly on the ground?

 

[Uncle Phatso]

I talked to Itgg about Jon's wrestling when he sent me a link to the fight. Jon's wrestling skills right now to me are just god. Why is that? His fucking reach, Bones is ripped and has mad reach. He could still pull everything off Imo with about an 80 inch reach, but his reach helps him out on the ground and standing up.

Hendo has the same experence in Grecko that Bones does, but has alot more awards for it. Hendo imo is the only person who can outwrestle him or put up a good fight in a pure wrestling match.

His reach will also help him get out of takedowns if he sprawls out on his opponet. If he does get a good wrestler and gets grounded he can easily just reach in and reverse in. He will have to watch out for that because if he relys on that to much a good submission expert could pick him arm apart. He's got alot of arm to put in an arm bar and I could see that being a focus point for a sub specialist.

 

[Hammerfist]

I think there is a possibility that Rashad will be able to use his collegiate wrestling to eek out a lay and pray/wall and stall victory. Jones is a Greco-Roman wrestler, which means his wrestling background doesn't really defend a lot of single and double leg takedowns. I would absolutely hate if Rashad were able to beat him this way, because to me, lay and pray is not really fighting.

I could maybe see Machida getting a counter strike ko if Jones were foolish. Machida is comming off of some losses though, so he's not immediately set for a title fight.

There is no one else really that I could see at Light Heavyweight beating Jones. If Henderson was having a great day, maybe Henderson, but right now Henderson doesn't officially have a UFC contract, even though Strikeforce is now owned by Zuffa.

If Jones can get past Rashad's wrestling, then I don't really see anyone beating him for a while. I hope Jones KO's Rashad. Jones is a much more exciting fighter. IMO he's one of the most exciting fighters in all of MMA.

 

[JWGunslinger]

Alright well I'll start off by saying I always thought he was good but once he'd get into deep water with the sharks like Shogun he'd get an awakening, but he proved that he is everything he says he is. He gets better with every fight,he's young,he is working with probably the best trainer in Mixed Martial Arts today in Greg Jackson, he has the longest reach in UFC history which he uses well to stifle his opponents and last but not least he is confident and feels as though he has god behind him. Jones will beat Rashad Evans in their fight, now we need to think of a good man to take him out.

People have been saying Phil Davis is the man to do it, he very well may be but if he is it will happen in a year or hopefully more, in the Lil Nog fight we saw that when Davis can't get someone down with his superb wrestling he uses some horrrrrrrible standup until he decides to shoot. But he's similar jones in that he has only been training MMA for about 2 years, so he has time to improve but he is NOT ready yet.

Other names that are being thrown out there are Dan Henderson, Gegard Mousasi and the wildcard that won't happen Vitor Belfort. Henderson is currently the best guy to take on Jones because of his Olympic Caliber wrestling and super powered right hand. he can cause some problems for Jones because we've never seen Jones taken down and controlled, Hendo can do that. The problem there is Dan always likes to walk forward and often goes into headhunting mode where jones would use his speed and reach to pick him apart. That fight I say jones has a 60 percent chance to win that fight.

Gegard Mousasi is a very slick and crafty striker who was basically the Jon jones of strikeforce, went in and won the title as a young talented dude who seemed unstoppable, but he got taken down and held there for 5 rounds by King Mo, which is what we could see if Hendo faced jones. But in that fight Jones would exploit that weak takedown defense and ground and pound Gegard for a finish.

Vitor Belfort is the former UFC Heavyweight and Light heavyweight Champion, and although he was brutally knocked out by Anderson Silva at UFC 126 he lost because he didn't use his traditional gameplan that found him success throughout his career(going after them full tilt throwing leather like there is no tomorrow) and instead stood in front of Anderson and tried to trade with the best counter striker in the world and lost. If he went back to the old Vitor game and charged Jon with no mercy he could catch him but thats not gonna happen.

It's hard to say who could beat him right now because Jones has been so dominant against every man he has faced, even when he started with no technical skills he beat better fighters just off physical ability. In any fight you try to make his incredible reach cokes into play so it's hard to pick a guy who can clip him and knock him out. We need someone who is a strong grappler who can keep from being manhandled by Jones and control him for a decision or submit him. The closest who come to that are Henderson or Roger Gracie. The reason I didnt mention Gracie as someone to beat Jones is as amazing as his ground game is, his standup is non existent and he would be knocked out before he could drag it to the ground. So what I'm gonna say is that right now there is no good man to truly test Jon Jones, so he will keep the belt until a new monster like Jones comes along or guys like Davis and Gracie can evolve and break away from being one dimensional fighters.

 

[ArcherCC]

Personally as much as I dislike saying this, i believe Machida has one fo the best chances. He has high level takedown defense, coupled with a striking style of bouncing in, tag 2-4 times bouncing out. His striking might lack some of the power of other guys, but outside of the top counter strikers he is very , and i mean very hard to hit. Yes Jones has like 20 miles of reach on him, but we also have not seen Jones deal with that style of striking, or even show to be a top level counter striker.

not to say i disagree with many of the names I have seen thrown around, I just believe The Dragon has one of the best chances of taking Jones out.