UFC 135 Results: Why Jon Jones vs. Anderson Silva Should Happen in 2012

In the main event of UFC 135, Jon "Bones" Jones persevered against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, retaining his title after slapping on a rear naked choke early in the fourth round. 

Although this was Bones first title defense, a lot of fans are convinced that the New York native is going to be untouchable at light heavyweight.  

Rampage had essentially no offense in this fight, having no answers for Jones' 11-and-a-half inch reach advantage and high level grappling.  

This marked just the second time Rampage was submitted in 41 fights, the other instance being when Kazushi Sakuraba utilized a rear naked choke all the way back in July 2001. 

Fans have been clamoring for Jones to meet UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in a super fight, despite both Silva and UFC President Dana White not being particularly interested in this fight right now.

While it may not happen, here are three reasons why Jon Jones should fight Anderson Silva before the end of 2012. 

3. Anderson Silva Has Few Big Fights Left at Middleweight

Outside of a rematch with Chael Sonnen, there are really no intriguing fights left for Anderson Silva at 185 pounds.  

Brian Stann? Mark Munoz? Michael Bisping? A rematch with Vitor Belfort? Does anyone see any of these potential matchups not ending in an Anderson Silva finish?

No one else at middleweight has the wrestling ability and aggression of a Chael Sonnen, so its difficult to imagine anyone else giving "The Spider" a tough time.  

If Silva defeats the winner of Brian Stann vs. Chael Sonnen early next year, it is time to start thinking about either retirement or a super fight.  

2. Jon Jones Has Few Big Fights Left at Light Heavyweight

Jon Jones may finally fight the heavily anticipated grudge match against former Jackson MMA teammate Rashad Evans.  

Regardless of when it happens, it is clear that "Suga" has the next title shot at 205 pounds. 

After that, how many big fights does Jones have left at light heavyweight? 

There is a very good chance that he fights the winner of Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio Rua (which takes place at UFC 139), but neither Henderson or Rua matches up particularly well with Jones. 

While anything can happen, we saw what happened to Shogun the first time he met Jones.  Hendo's biggest asset is his KO ability, but no one has come close to beating Bones in a standing exchange thus far.  

Who else is left at that point?  Lyoto Machida? A still very green Phil Davis?  The light heavyweight division is not as deep as some people would like to believe it is. 

After two or three more title defenses, Jones will have beaten every credible challenger the UFC has to offer.  

1. Marketability

Fans have practically been begging for a super fight between Silva and welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, but there is no reason to believe this fight is ever going to happen as of this writing.  

Jones vs. Silva is arguably a better super fight anyway, given that Jones and Silva are similar in the sense that they both use unconventional striking and have great finishing ability.

Given GSP's wrestling pedigree and tendency to fight safe, there is a real chance that St-Pierre vs. Silva would be a boring fight.  

Jon Jones and Anderson Silva are still two of the most recognizable faces in combat sports today, so this fight would attract casual fans worldwide.  

Given the lack of super fights in MMA today, the only real one in the foreseeable future being Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem at UFC 141.

This fight would be a massive attraction for the sport of MMA.