Jon Jones: Is There Anyone Out There Who Can Challenge Him?

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has been on a tear since his debut, and he hasn't missed a step since. The 23-year-old phenom stormed onto the scene collecting his first three wins in dominating fashion, and despite losing to Matt Hamill via disqualification, many fans and pundits would agree he technically won that bout as well. 

However, it was his win over light heavyweight Brandon Vera that intrigued and fascinated fans, generating a lot of support as he began to challenge for the light heavyweight title. A couple more wins would follow, and Jones was granted the opportunity to challenge for the title and he was successful. 

Now at the young age of 23, Jones sits atop of the light heavyweight division, and it appears that he will reign for quite some time. After disposing such skilled fighters as Ryan Bader, Stephan Bonnar and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, one begs the question if anyone is superior to Jones. 

In this slideshow, we'll take a look at the potential fighters who pose a threat to the champion and could potentially defeat him.

1. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Currently slated to face Jones later this year, No. 1 contender Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is a heavy task for any opponent to deal with. Blessed with power, strength and athleticism, there are few fighters who have beaten him in the UFC thus far. 

Once these two light heavyweights square off, it should be nothing but excitement as both competitors carry some of the biggest followings in mixed martial arts today. It would be intriguing due to Jones' unorthodox style and wrestling ability and Jackson's knockout power. 

Jackson has knockout power in both hands, and he can end a fight in an instant. More so, he holds very good grappling ability and is hard to take down, two things that Jones should be wary of. Although Jones holds an 84" reach, Jackson possess very good footwork and head movement for his size and doesn't give his opponents much space. This would either force Jones to stand and trade with Jackson or look to take him down. 

Not many oddsmakers are believing in Jackson to dethrone Jones, but this bout would turn out to be one of the toughest of Jones' career.

2. Lyoto Machida

The idea of witnessing Lyoto Machida challenge Jon Jones intrigues a lot of fans, and it would draw interest. 

Machida's karate style and elusive footwork have frustrated nearly all of his opponents, leading the Brazilian to find an opening and counter their attack. Machida is very hard to hit inside the pocket as he moves in and out at such a rapid pace and he is constantly moving. He also holds some of the most underrated wrestling ability in the UFC and has outmuscled such wrestlers as Tito Ortiz and Quinton Jackson that have resulted in successful take downs. 

Jones's reach could potentially disrupt Machida's gameplan, but Machida's speed and footwork could also throw off the champion as well. 

Should this bout commence at some point in the near future, it will give fans a different perspective on Jones and determine how much success he is capable of achieving. This fight would be a real testament to Jones' career and, a win for either competitor would be a big achievement. 

3. Phil Davis

While his striking might need some improvement to reach Jones' level, there is no denying that light heavyweight prospect Phil Davis has the necessary tools to defeat the champion. 

A NCAA Division I standout, Davis obviously has the wrestling credentials to compete with Jones, plus with his size and strength, he might even bully him around, forcing the champion out of his comfort zone. 

Davis' skill set is not as evolved as Jones' but within a year or so, if he is to continue winning, Davis might just find himself challenging Jones for the title. 

The thought of these two light heavyweights competing against each other doesn't necessarily create a huge amount of interest at the moment, but it would likely have to be a wrestler who has the strength and size and the ability to control and effectively out-work his opponent in order to successfully defeat Jones. Phil Davis might just be that guy. 

4. Cain Velasquez

An opponent for the champion wouldn't necessarily have to reside in the same division in order to potentially beat him, as there has been talk of eventually seeing Jones move up to compete in the heavyweight division and facing UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. 

Standing at 6'4" and walking around 225 lbs, Jones' frame is quite unique for a light heavyweight. He undoubtedly has the size to compete as a heavyweight, and a bout with Velasquez would not likely see Jones have a distinct advantage in size or strength. 

Velasquez is just as well-rounded as Jones and is known for his superior cardio, both of which could pose problems for the light heavyweight champion, as he has not faced an opponent with Velasquez's skill and relentless pace. 

This super-fight seems like a long shot, but it is does stand a realistic chance of happening. If both champions continue to dominate their divisions respectively, there is a strong possibility they could compete in the near future. 

5. Anderson Silva

Perhaps no other opponent attracts more interest and serves as a bigger threat to Jon Jones than UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. 

The middleweight kingpin has dominated the middleweight division at will and looks to remain as the 185-lb title holder for the foreseeable future. Silva has competed at light heavyweight on two separate occasions, defeating James Irvin and former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin. 

Like Jones, Silva is a well-rounded fighter and also walks around 225 lbs. He is very talented and capable of competing in the 205-lb division, which has generated a lot of interest from fans and critics alike. Both fighters represent unorthodox styles and are dangerous at any point during a fight.

While there are still a majority of fans who have requested to see Silva fight against UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, some fans have come to the conclusion that this super-fight would be the more compelling and competitive of the two. 

Keep in mind, Jones is still inexperienced and has a lot of maturing to do as a fighter. But if this fight were to occur within the near future, Jones would have to prepare for the biggest fight of his career.