5 Reasons Why Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson Will Be Competitive

Next weekend, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will make his first title defense against UFC veteran, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. 

Since the announcement of this bout, odds-makers and fans have heavily favoured Jones to retain his title over his opponent, simply neglecting the fact that Jackson was once a former UFC champion. Plus, Jackson's dismal performances as of late certainly won't help his chances with critics either.

Jones' successful rise has ultimately overshadowed the abilities and skills of his opponents, leaving many fans to believe the 24-year-old is the future of mixed martial arts. 

But in his upcoming bout against Jackson, he will meet one of the more formidable competitors and arguably his toughest challenge to date. 

In this slideshow we'll take a look at the abilities of both fighters and the components that will make this bout one of the more competitive title bouts of the year. 

Here is five Reasons why Jon Jones vs.Quinton Jackson will be competitive.

No.5: Quinton Jackson's Skillset

Part of what makes this bout so compelling is Jackson's skillset and his ability to knockout his opponents with strength and power. 

One of the things that has led Jackson to be a dominant force inside the Octagon is his devastating knockout power which he has relied on since his transition to the UFC in 2007. His boxing technique has steadily improved, but Jackson has always maintained his strength and power. 

Jackson has utilizied more of a boxing strategy in his bouts, implementing good footwork and head movement, along with constant pressure and minimizing distance. While it has obviously contributed to his success, it also has limited his wrestling ability. 

So it is no secret where Jackson will want to do in his bout with Jones. 

Jackson will want to minimize distance early and look to rough up the young champion to make him feel uncomfortable. Jones' reach advantage will be such a factor that Jackson will have to use quick footwork and head feints in order to open up the champion and get inside his range. 

Jones' unorthodox striking will likely be utilized early to try and overwhelm the former PRIDE star, so Jackson must be prepared and look to cut off angles and watch the his opponent's body movement to anticipate an attack. 

If Jackson is able to initiate a similar gameplan and use it successfully, he has the potential of putting Jones through adversity and potentially end his title reign.

No.4: Jon Jones' Skillset

There has been no other fighter who has made such an impact in a short amount of time than Jon Jones. 

The 24-year-old has ran through the competition utilizing creative striking and superior wrestling, and has defeated some of the sport's most prominent fighters. 

One of the rare attributes that Jones holds over all of his competition is his significant 84.5 inch reach. It has allowed him to land strikes and complete takedowns from wider angles and a longer distance. It is arguably his biggest strength as a fighter. 

And while he is a creative striker, trading with Jackson is always a risk, so the best possible scenario would see Jones look to take the fight to the ground.

From there, Jones' reach will allow him to utilize his wrestling and ground and-pound more effectively.

His reach advantage has allowed to attempt things that not many fighters are capable of pulling off, and it allows him to gain much more leverage and power in his strikes in his opponents' guard. Jones' leverage also allows him to have so much control and leads him to transitioning to positions much easier. 

Jackson has not shown much ability to defend off of his back and has controlled by bigger, stronger opponents in previous fights. If the bout is dictated by Jones' wrestling, Jackson will have a much more difficult time with Jones than any other opponent.

No.3: Jon Jones' First Title Defense

Since his win over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128, there has been a lot of hype surrounding the 24-year-old champion. In his bout with the Brazilian, all doubts were erased when he put on one of the most dominant performances in UFC history.

But now Jones faces the reality of being a champion and will make his first title defense against a formidable opponent in Jackson. 

Evidently, Jones has the skill and physical ability to become a champion but the real tool that is underutilized while remaining champion is the mind. Jones obviously is an intelligent fighter who is articulate and knowledgeable in MMA, but it becomes a whole different aspect while trying to retain the title.

Jones' lack of maturity as a fighter has shined through his altercations with Rashad Evans and his pre-UFC 135 press conference with Jackson, in what appears to be harmless, but have obviously shown to be a distraction for Jones as he prepares to face Jackson. 

His title bout will give a clear indication of he handles the pressure of his first title defense. 

No.2: Quinton Jackson Is a Credible Opponent

While Jones has seemingly made his track record look effortless against opposition, he awaits a credible opponent in "Rampage."

Obviously, Jones defeated Rua but some fans will claim that the Brazilian was not in form in that bout to consider it a legitimate victory. 

Unlike Rua, though, Jackson has voiced his opinion on the champion and publicly said Jones has never fought a fighter like him before, adding he's fought superior fighters than Jones. Jackson might appear to be underestimating Jones' skill but he has the experience to back up his trash-talk. 

And unlike Rua, Jackson has no fear in voicing his opinion on the champion and doesn't seem to be intimidated by Jones' skills and ability. Jackson has been a notorious trash-talker throughout his career and adds a mean presence that's meant to provoke and instill fear in his opponents. And with Jones, Jackson looks to take advantage of his inexperience. 

Along with his experience, Jackson is confident in his abilities that has helped him dethrone previous champions, including Dan Henderson and Chuck Liddell. 

These factors alone should make Jackson a more credible opponent than any competitor Jones has faced thus far.

No.1: Quinton Jackson's Mindset

When Jackson is mentally focused he is one of the best 205lb fighters in the world. 

However a recent string of uninspiring performances have led fans to believe Jackson stands no chance against Jones, and with good reason. 

Jackson has said on many occasions that he no longer had the same desire to compete in mixed martial arts like before and was seemingly doing it for a paycheque. Whatever led to his disinterest in the sport remains a mystery, but a part-time acting career and lack of competition could have played a role. 

However, if there has been one thing that has kept Jackson motivated throughout his career, it's an opportunity to challenge for the title. Since a controversial decision loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86, the former UFC light heavyweight champion claimed he never lost the title and has had every intention of reclaiming it since then. 

Jackson has never appeared interested in facing opposition that he didn't find competitive or result in title implications. So his wins over competitors Keith Jardine and Matt Hamill could be justified. 

But now Jackson finds himself back in the title picture, competing for a chance to reclaim the title for a second time. His mentality has always been questioned but judging by his recent blog posts, Jackson looks to be rededicated and determined to put on a good performance. 

If Jackson enters the Octagon in good shape and with the right mentality, we could be looking at one of the more competitive title bouts in recent memory, and a new UFC light heavyweight champion.