UFC 126: 5 Reasons Jon Jones Looks More Unbeatable Than Lyoto Machida Ever Did

Jon Jones is said to be the future of the UFC light heavyweight division.

Lyoto Machida was once said to be unbeatable. After winning the LHW Title, he declared that it was the Machida Era.

Well, that didn't last very long, now did it?

Machida defended his title once against Shogun, albeit controversially, and then lost it in the rematch via first-round KO.

People thought Machida looked unbeatable, but here are five reasons why Jon Jones looks more unbeatable than Lyoto Machida did.

Age

Jon Jones is only 23 years old, and he has 12 fights under his belt.

When Lyoto Machida was 23, he had 0 MMA fights under his belt.

True, Lyoto has been practicing karate since the age of 5, sumo since 12, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 15, but that is not MMA.

Jon Jones got his start wrestling, and was a 2005 NY State Champ.

If Lyoto Machida can start fighting at 24, and win the belt at 30, then there is no reason that Jon Jones can't win the belt by the age of 26.

Jones has only been in MMA for three years, and as I mentioned, he has 12 fights.

After three years, Lyoto had eight fights.

As far as experienced based on age... Edge: Jones

Size

By no stretch of the imagination is Lyoto Machida an undersized light heavyweight.

But by the same token, Jon Jones is huge.

Jones is two inches taller, and has a 10.5 inch-reach advantage compared to Lyoto.

This immediately makes him a more formidable foe.

Edge: Jones

Style

Lyoto Machida is a karate-practicing counter-striker. Some of his fights have been boring, but he got the job done nonetheless.

He uses effective footwork and counter-striking to win rounds, and never really puts himself in danger.

Jon Jones is a Muay-Thai practicing, Greco-Roman wrestling tank. Jones brings the fight to his opponents, and doesn't rely on their mistakes to capitalize. He can make his own offense.

People have figured out Machida. Keep the pressure on, and he will crumble. See the second fight against Shogun or the fight against Rampage for examples.

Shogun capitalized on a minor opening that Lyoto had after counter strikes. Rampage was just Rampage, and didn't let him strike and run.

Jones wouldn't have these same issues, as he would be the aggressor.

Edge: Jones

Finishes

Lyoto Machida has won most of his fights via decision (9 out of 16).

Jon Jones has won most of his fights via (T)KO (7 out of 11).

Jones goes out there looking for the win, the finish and a fight bonus. Machida goes out there looking for a win.

Not to mention, a finish is just much more impressive than a decision. A finish shows to Dana White and Joe Silva that you can finish your opponents and that you're hungry and you want more.

Finishes are more impressive than decisions.

Edge: Jones

Doesn't Have the Pressure Of An Undefeated Record

Thanks to that man on bottom who is being thoroughly dominated, Jon Jones does not have an undefeated record. He received a DQ loss from illegal 12-6 elbows that he delivered to Matt Hamill's nose.

He can now go on for the rest of his career without the added pressure of maintaining a perfect record.

On the other hand...

Lyoto Machida got the LHW title, and was undefeated on the way to doing it.

Most fighters will say that it is no added pressure, but I don't see how it wouldn't be.

For someone as young as Jones and with all the hype that comes with him, the last thing he needs is more pressure.

Pressure (or lack thereof)...

Edge: Jones

In Conclusion

For all these reasons, and many more, Jon Jones looks much more unbeatable than Lyoto Machida ever did.

Thanks for reading.

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