Finally, it is here. UFC Light-Heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones (13-1, 7-1 UFC) will have his chance to prove that the hype is justifed. That chance comes at UFC 135 against former UFC LHW champion, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Jones' career has been quite an exciting ride for anyone who has paid attention. His UFC Pay-Per-View life began against Ultimate Fighter 1 runner-up, Stephan Bonnar. Jones was much unknown at this point in time, but handled Bonnar with multiple suplexes and judo throws.
His unique striking style made him quite the riddle for many opponents to come. As a fighter, Jones often takes wild chances and seemingly leaves himself open with many of the awkward strikes he attempts. Elbows from all angles and spinning kicks are often seen as high-risk, low-reward moves that most fighters try to avoid. The exception with Jones is that he doesn't miss often, and when he does, no one has been able to capitalize.
His first top ten test came against once-undefeated, elite-level wrestler, Ryan Bader. Bader was known for having KO power in both hands and having a great wrestling base for ground-and-pound. Jones made Bader look terrible. Outstriked and outwrestled, Bader succumbed to a guillotine choke in the 2nd.
The hype train was rolling and showed no signs of stopping and he earned his title shot against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, at the time, the #1 ranked LHW in the world. Shogun had absolutely no answer for Jones accurate and unconventional striking. Jones earned his title by 3rd round TKO.
What is the most shocking about Jones, after everything he has achieved in 3 short years, is that he still has doubters...
A victory against Rampage will solidify his position atop the LHW division. Shogun and Rampage are considered to be 2 of the best LHWs of all time, and rightfully so, both with stacked of accomplishments and very storied careers. It is up to Jones to silence the remainder of his critics.
One thing I feel like I can say for certain, if Jon Jones can get past Rampage's devastating knockout power and durability, he will hold the title for a long time.
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