MMA's Jon Jones Is Ready To Be Thrown To the Wolves

Fight fans, we’ve found the future. The future should now be a name that even casual fans know well: Jon “Bones” Jones. After several spectacular performances, UFC President Dana White was emphatic about not rushing the young prospect. His declaration that while Jones is almost certainly a future UFC champ, he won’t be in contention for at least another year, was met with equal parts confusion and relief. 

As we all learned with what once was the great prospect Brandon Vera, throwing a young fighter full of potential out too far too fast can have a severe negative impact on their development. However, after his continual destruction of every “big test” Joe Silva puts in front of him, the hype machine is well oiled and ready to throw Jones to the wolves. Here are four potential match ups that should be beneficial for the 23-year-old superstar.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira: A match up with the Brazilian vet would be nothing short of fireworks. Lil’ Nog has several tools that Jones has not faced. The Pan American boxing gold medalist would be more then capable of standing toe-to-toe and challenging Jones’ stand up with a science he has yet to see in the cage. It goes without mentioning that his BJJ black belt would be more then useful if and when Bones can take him down. Lil’ Nog is always a game opponent and could deliver a long, drag out war. Win or lose, a fight like that would be great for developing Jones.

The loser of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Lyoto Machida: While Jones should be matched up with others coming off of wins, this would be a good exception to the rule since this fight could possibly determine who will be the number one contender after Evans fights Shogun. Rampage’s biggest strong point, his KO power, would finally test Jones’ chin if he could land cleanly. Also, the youngster would be forced to fight a more technical stand up game as his usual unorthodox methods could leave holes custom made for Jackson’s counter KO ability.

Machida’s counters could force a similar game plan also. While he lacks the traditional boxing and crushing power as Rampage, his karate base would show Jones angles and attacks he hasn’t faced yet. Machida’s sumo based take down defense could possibly keep him off of his back and upright where he definitely has the experience and skill set to give Jones problems.

Rich Franklin: While the UFC may want to protect one of its marquee faces, Franklin’s insistence that he will be a title contender again may very well set these two on a collusion course. Franklin would be perhaps the toughest mental test possible for Jones. Ace has always had superior game plans matched only by his execution.  He is all around enough to be comfortable where ever the fights go and savvy enough to keep it where ever he wants. If Jones were to have his way with Franklin it would be the result of pure athleticism and youth and not superior fighting skills.

Forrest Griffin: He is the definition of a game opponent. With the exception of Keith Jardine, only championship caliber fighters have stopped him. A devastating stop of Griffin would be a great trophy on his wall. Even if Jones couldn’t stop Griffin like teammates Rashad Evans and Jardine, he would instantly mature as a fighter after facing someone who has given almost every opponent trouble.

While many may be calling for Jones to face off for a title sooner then later, he still has some growing to do. We have yet to see his chin and so far have not seen a fundamental and systematic approach to his stand up. Also, he has exposed himself to potential submissions in his past two contests. 

Leave your arm out against Lil’ Nog or even Griffin and Franklin like he did against Vera and Vladimir Matyushenko, and a tapout wouldn’t be unlikely. This is vital to his almost inevitable future championship. Patience is certainly a virtue that will pay off for the career of Jon Jones.