UFC 135 Fight Card: 4 Things Jon Jones Must Do to Defend His Title

At UFC 135, the UFC's youngest champion in history defends his title in the city where the UFC held it's first event almost 18 years earlier. 

Jon Jones (13-1) will be taking on Rampage Jackson (32-8) in Jones' first defense of his light heavyweight title.

Jones won the title when he TKO'd Mauricio Rua at UFC 128 in what was an entirely one-sided beatdown.

Rampage earned his title shot through a series of unfortunate events to Rashad Evans. Most people already know everything that happened, so I won't rehash it.

Long story short, Rashad had his title shot, waited, then got hurt and lost the shot.

Now Jones will defend the title against Rampage, and hopefully, with a victory, set up a grudge match against Rashad Evans.

Here is what Jones needs to do to defend his title and set up a match with Rashad Evans.

Keep Rampage on the Outside

Jones has got to be able to keep Rampage on the outside.

Jones has an 84.5'' reach, and Rampage has a 73'' reach.

If Jones can keep Rampage on the outside, he can throw anything he wants with almost no fear of a counter actually getting him.

Or he could pull a GSP-Koscheck and just jab his way to victory.

But I don't think anyone expects Jones to play it safe like that.

Do Not Get into a Slugfest

If anybody gets in close against Rampage and attempts to throw with him, they go down.

Should Jones suddenly get cocky and decide to try and stand with Rampage, he can expect to crumple to the mat in a heap of over-hype and unfulfilled expectations.

Have a Good Gameplan

The last guy who had a good game plan against Rampage walked out with his title.

At UFC 86, Rampage was set to defend his title against Forrest Griffin, after they had a coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter.

Forrest was able to chop Rampage down throughout the fight with leg kicks, and he was able to stifle all of Rampage's mobility and win the title.

Jones needs to come in with a solid game plan. Then he can expect to walk out with his title.

Jones works with Greg Jackson, so it would be pretty safe to assume that game-planning won't be an issue.

Under No Circumstances

Under no circumstances should Jones throw up a triangle.

In the End...

Most people aren't expecting Jones to have much trouble with Rampage.

Rampage is a very one dimensional fighter.

He has good take-down defense against guys like Matt Hamill (whom Jones tossed around like a rag doll) but he had trouble handling Rashad Evans (whom Jones used to train with).

Everybody knows that Rampage is going to be looking to get in there and land a hay-maker.

Jones could come in and try to keep Rampage on the outside, or he could take him down and ground and pound him, or he could take him down and look for a submission.

Jones has so many weapons on his side that he should be able to walk through Rampage.

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