Jon Jones Breakin' Bones in the UFC

UFC 126 showcased great talent from beginning to end. The highly anticipated main event between between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort was nothing short of amazing. But the rising star that deserves some of the spotlight is Jon "Bones" Jones.

At only 23, Jon Jones is like a new tidal wave roaming the ocean. Fighters have tested the waters with Jones and all have succumb to his eclectic style and devastating power.

From Matt Hamill and Stephan Bonner to Brandon Vera and Ryan Bader, Jon Jones made each fight look so easy. Of course any MMA practitioner knows that hard work, heart and dedication makes an ordinary athlete into a superb athlete.

Many considered Ryan Bader to be Jones's toughest opponent to date. Bader is a NCAA Division I wrestling specimen, possesses KO power and has wins over top fighters such as Antonio Nogueira and Keith Jardine. However, none of that seemed to phase Jones when they squared off inside the Octagon. 

In explosive fashion, Round 1 starts off with Jones taking down the all American wrestler, immediately securing side-control and landing a knee strike to Bader's ribs. Bader tried to move and wiggle his way back to his knees but Jones utilized his long limbs to secure his opponent in place. 

After a bit of ground and pound and attempted submissions by Jones, both fighters get back to their feet. Bader has a power right hand and it looked like he was hoping it would find Jones's soft spot and secure a quick KO victory. Unfortunately, Bader's power did not even get close to hurting Jones.

Round 2 starts with Bader anxious to score as he probably knew Jones secured Round 1. Bader throws one-two combinations, but none get close to Jones. Instead, Jones lands jabs, low kicks and even a jump kick.

Jones was constantly applying forward pressure, making Bader's feet dance around trying to maintain a base. Bader's big power swings and take down attempts were easily shrugged off by Jones. In return, Jones lands more low kicks to Bader's lead leg.

With less than one and a half minutes left in round two, it appeared to me that Bader pulled half guard on Jones, possibly hoping to reverse him on the ground. Jones immediately controls Bader in top position, works a few elbows and starts on a possible Darce choke.

Bader defends the first choke attempt but is not moving offensively to gain better position. This allows more time for Jones to attack Bader's exposed neck. Eventually Jones secures in a guillotine choke, forcing Bader to tap out.

Throughout the fight, it really does seem that Jon Jones has some unique spirit that gives him a high level of confidence and humbleness that is very rare in the sport. And to make things even sweeter for Jones, it is revealed that he is now the contender for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against UFC champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.

Jon Jones is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the UFC. While Shogun may truly be his most difficult fight in his MMA career, I'm betting that Jon Jones will continue to breaking bones inside the Octagon.