UFC 135 Fight Card: Will Jon Jones Run Through Rampage Jackson?

It has been said that a champion is not a true champion until he successfully defends his title, and it just so happens that UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, will defend his crown against his stiffest challenge yet. 

Jones will meet Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the main event at UFC 135, a title bout that many fans favour the champion to win, considering how easily he got past his previous seven opponents before capturing the light heavyweight title. But while many people predict a victory for Jones, some of them are neglecting the fact that the real competition and hard work kicks in from this point on.

Yes, no one said it was going to be easy for the 23-year-old, but at the same time, no one expected him to win the title at this stage in his career.

Regardless, Jackson will prove to be a formidable opponent for Jones and will determine his career path; become a successful champion or fail to live up to the hype and squander in defeat like many champions before him.

It is a well known fact that Jackson no longer shows the passion, or the work ethic, to become the top 205-pound fighter in the world, but he still possess the abilities that had made him champion just a short time ago.

And if fans tune in to see a motivated, determined "Rampage" step up to Jones, there is the possibility he can reclaim the belt he lost a few years ago. 

The power in Jackson's hands are first and foremost Jones' main concern, as he can end the fight with one blow. His patented left hook and uppercut are by far his most lethal weapons. Also, his head movement and footwork are some of the best in the division which allow him to cover distance and get inside of his opponents.

While he rarely utilizes his wrestling skills, it's evident that they are successful when they are utilized correctly. Jackson is tough to take down and tough keep down due to his wrestling skills and strong base, and only a few fighters have successfully taken him to the canvas. 

If Jackson is to immediately push the pace on Jones, he'll have to do it early and do it quickly because Jones' reach and leverage will allow him to create distance and give him time to setup take-downs from long range and wide angles, making it almost nearly impossible for Jackson to have any success on the feet. His footwork, along with his aggressive approach, should manage to prevent Jones from dictating the pace within the opening minutes.

From there, Jackson should use his footwork and head movement to close the distance and begin pressuring Jones and look to strike, forcing the champion to either commit or look for a take-down. The more aggression Jackson is to put on early in the bout, the more likely he is to find openings and test the champion's chin and will.

It is also a chance to test the cardio of Jones, a noticeable and potential weakness that has been seen in some of his past bouts. If Jackson is to cut off distance and get inside of Jones, it is not possible that Jones could take him down with his back against the cage and no distance to setup from. 

Although it is likely that Jones will secure the victory, it is not unlikely that Jackson won't test the champion and make it a competitive fight. The last time Jackson was overlooked in a title bout, he was crowned champion in less than two minutes in the opening round. Of course, the last time Jones fought an experienced, aggressive striker similar to Jackson, he was crowned champion as well.

UFC 135 is scheduled for September 24, live from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.