UFC 135: Jon Jones Says There Are Things He Can "Exploit" in Rampage Jackson

After earning a win over Matt Hamill at UFC 130, it was apparent that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson would be the next contender for the UFC light heavyweight title. And while those in attendance who watching the fight, perhaps no one was more focused then the champion, Jon Jones.

Jones, who defend his title against Jackson at UFC 135 in September, observed the fight from a club in Texas and paid attention to potential things he believes he could expose out of the former UFC light heavyweight champion. 

"I was really in the fight with watching head movement and footsteps and tendencies and emotions, cardio, how big his stomach was moving," Jones told MMAJunkie.com.

"I saw a lot of things that I can exploit in Rampage's game," he added.

Jackson's unanimous decision win over his opponent did little to convince many fans that he has a chance to defeat the 23-year-old champion. After putting on a few uninspiring performances against Rashad Evans and Matt Hamill, as well as winning a controversial decision over Lyoto Machida, some critics think Jackson has hit his peak as a fighter. 

But after watching the fight, Jones said he saw a more competitive side in Jackson and does not think "Rampage" has a lost a step at all. However, he said he did notice a change in Jackson, but it's not his skillset.

"I think Rampage is aware of the fact that he's living a good life, he's getting a little bit older, (and) maybe his passion, hunger, drive, determination—it could be suffering," he said.

And whether or not critics think he is past his prime, Jones is not underestimating the knockout power that Jackson possess. It has been one of Jackson's biggest strengths that has contributed to his success in mixed martial arts. 

"Rampage hits you with one of his punches, you'll be in a lot of trouble," he said.