UFC superstar Jon Jones appears on just about everyone’s shortlists for being the greatest MMA fighter of all-time, but the biggest thing missing from the 33-year-old’s resume to date is the fighter moving up in weight to test himself against the bigger and (theoretically) better fighters in the heavyweight division.
Francis Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic by second-round knockout in the main event of UFC 260 on Saturday night at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Now, the greatest challenge for Jones has finally been revealed.
He wants to be paid for it, but Jones has his eye on Ngannou. Jones posted, “Show me the money.”
Show me the money
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
Ngannou is arguably the scariest fighter in the history of the UFC heavyweight division. He just beat the most decorated champion in heavyweight history, and it did it in dominant fashion. Now, he’s the scariest fight out there for Jones.
WHAT A FINISH BY NGANNOU! 😱 #UFC260
(@espnmma) pic.twitter.com/duwoWIyanv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 28, 2021
Jones Has Been Tops at 205 Pounds for Over 10 Years
Jones holds numerous records in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. He’s won more fights overall than any other fighter in that division’s history (20). He’s won more title fights than anyone (14). He’s tied with Mauricio Rua for most appearances overall (22).
On top of that, Jones is a statistical legend in the weight class. He’s landed more strikes (1835) and more significant strikes (1463) than anyone else in UFC light heavyweight history, and his bottom position percentage (0.2%) and takedown defense (95%) are also unparalleled.
So when peering over the longtime light heavyweight champ’s amazing resume and absurd statistical achievements in the division, the thing that sticks out most is that nothing really sticks out as a possible path toward beating Jones there.
With apologies to those who believe Dominic Reyes deserved the nod last year at UFC 247 in what turned out to be the champ’s last title defense before vacating his belt, Jones has virtually been unbeatable in the division.
He’s never lost a fight. Not really. His lone loss to Matt Hamill in December 2009 came by disqualification in a fight Jones was dominating, and the fighter’s close win last year should be looked at as good evidence that even an off-night by Jones won’t produce a loss for the superstar.
At least not in his division.
But Jones has never competed above 205 pounds, so moving up to challenge for UFC gold at heavyweight is the only thing that matters now.
Jones: ‘I’m Getting Ready for the Scariest Dude Out There’
No matter what problems he’s had outside the cage, the plain truth of the matter is that Jones has been at his best when it matters most.
Jones seems to raise the bar when fights seem close and all the cards are on the table.
He believes his success in the heavyweight division will largely depend on him being able to do the same thing in his new weight class. Jones told Heavy in December 2020 that he plans on pushing the pace against the larger figures in the heavyweight division.
“I’m getting ready for the scariest dude out there,” Jones said.
More cardio means more food, back down to 245 😩 pic.twitter.com/AcffXjOwWb
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 16, 2021
But Jones believes he has what it takes.
“They’re a little bigger, and a little stronger. But one thing I’ve noticed, it’s hard to keep that pace…I’ve been doing a little sparring, a little messing around with the heavyweights…The common theme is they just can’t go as long as I can,” Jones said.
Capturing Heavyweight Championship Won’t Be Easy Task
Jones believes he’s on his way to becoming the UFC’s heavyweight champion.
“Sometimes they’re bigger than me, stronger than me. Sometimes I get muscled around in the first round or few moments. And I just keep my composure and keep coming. Before you know it…,” Jones said.
Before you know it, Jones says he stars to win those sparring wars. But sparring is one thing, and really fighting in the cage is another.
Before we all know it, though, Jones will have his chance to prove he sees things the right way.
Jones vs. Ngannou is the biggest and best fight that can be possibly be made in the UFC this year. Jones is arguably the greatest MMA fighter ever, and winning the heavyweight title would potentially remove any doubt over the matter.
Minimally, Jones would become just the eighth fighter in UFC history to capture a world title in more than one division.
Things don’t get any bigger or better than that, not even in the UFC.
The superfight is the perfect contest for Jones, and it will be challenging enough for the top pound-for-pound talent in the world that he might not actually be able to pull it off.
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Twitter: @Kelsey_McCarson
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