Jon Jones' Keys to Defeating Daniel Cormier at UFC 182
On Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Jon Jones could make beating Daniel Cormier look easy. At this point, it's hard to be shocked by Bones' brilliance. However, Cormier is an undefeated, highly motivated wrestling genius with excellent boxing skills.
Jones has faced tough fighters before, but Cormier brings a different skill set to the Octagon.
Per Odds Shark, Jones is the 25-52 favorite to win. The reigning and defending UFC light heavyweight champion will come through victorious as long as he does the following things.
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Keep His Cool
The buildup for this fight has been filled with more seemingly genuine hatred than any I can remember. These guys really seem to dislike one another, and it goes beyond simply selling a fight.
Because of the emotion involved, Jones must make sure his temper and obsession with humiliating Cormier doesn't leave him open to attacks and bad habits. Jones talks about the pressure of fighting an opponent you don't like in the interview below with UFC.com's Matt Parrino.
Cormier has the strength and striking ability to put Jones in peril if the champion gets too comfortable.
Use Length
Per Fight Metric, Jones is five inches taller and has a 12-inch reach advantage over Cormier. Normally, the champion is a master at utilizing his length advantage. He has masterful spatial awareness and must use this gift against Cormier.
Staying just far away enough from attacks, but close enough to tag Cormier with kicks and elbows, is key. Jones did this effectively against Rashad Evans when he easily defeated him in April 2012.
If he fights tall and smart against Cormier, the result will be the same.
Avoid the Takedown
In his career, Jones has stopped 97 percent of the takedowns attempted against him. If he is going to beat Cormier, he'll need to continue his nearly impenetrable takedown defense.
Cormier is one of the sport's best wrestlers, and he'll be vicious in the ground-and-pound if he gets Jones in a compromising position.
To win, Jones needs to keep the fight standing, or maintain top control if the fight does go to the mat.
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.
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