UFC 135 Results: Is Jon Jones Already the Best LHW Ever?

Seemingly overnight, Jon Jones has gone from unproven champion to potential legend with back-to-back victories over two of the best light heavyweights in MMA history. Jones' critics still had their doubts after the fighter became champion with a dominant performance over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, who hadn't fought in nearly one year.

At UFC 135, Jones showed that capturing the belt was no fluke by taking out a motivated and dangerous Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. With the win, Jones took one step closer toward fulfilling the potential that many believed he has had since rag-dolling Stephan Bonnar in January 2009.

With such lopsided performances against two former UFC light heavyweight champions, Jones looks unbeatable. His next opponent is a very talented Rashad Evans, but Jones will likely be a heavy favorite heading into that bout.

While Jones certainly has the potential to become the greatest light heavyweight in MMA history, it's hard to give him that honor after one title defense. If Jones takes care of his training partner turned enemy in Rashad Evans, the conversation can officially begin.

Still, with the dominant runs that Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva went on during their prime years, Jones would likely have to match Liddell's four consecutive title defenses before it can be said that he is unquestionably the best 205-pound fighter ever.

Even though he isn't there yet, Jones' last two appearances have shown that this will eventually become a serious argument. As Jackson postulated at the post-fight press conference, Evans may already be Jones' last significant threat at light heavyweight.

Be sure to check out Bleacher Report for all things UFC 135. B/R is your home for MMA, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, and post-fight analysis—which you can check out at our event hub.

Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. Sean has also had his work featured on UFC.com, LowKick.com and TheMMACorner.com. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @SeanSmithMMA.