Jon Jones: 3 Reasons Why He Will Beat Rashad Evans

Ever since Jon Jones violated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua en-route to relieving him of the UFC light heavyweight title, one name in particular seems to always crops up—Rashad Evans.

“Bones” Jones most recent conquest was Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135. Jones dominated every aspect of the game, and in the process handed Jackson only his second career submission loss via rear naked choke.

The only other fighter credited with that achievement is Kazuchi Sakuraba.

After Jones sent Rampage packing, none other than Evans turned up in the ring for a hyped up stare-down to promote their eagerly awaited clash, supposedly scheduled for early 2012.

Much has been made about the fact that both Jones and Evans were former training partners at Greg Jackson’s gym—they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses—one or the other had the upper hand in training and so on and so forth.

However, sparring and the actual fight itself is a different ball game altogether.

I believe that when these two combatants eventually throw down, Jones will be victorious.

Here are the reasons why...

3. Growing as a Fighter

Jones seems to have improved leaps and bounds with every fight he’s fought—every obstacle put in his path Jones has eradicated.

The so-called second future of the light heavyweight division Ryan Bader, Jones dealt with clinically and systematically. And every other fighter before and after has followed suit.

Evans, 32, is still in his prime, but whether his growth is progressive or regressive, judgement can’t be passed just yet. This is especially with regards to his defeating the evanescent former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz.

One thing I might add is that since his loss to Lyoto Machida, Evans hasn’t been quite the same fighter—his fights with Thiago Silva and Rampage must be proof of that, top-tier light heavyweights or not.

Jones candidly admitted that Rampage’s “spy” allegations did throw him off track if only for a short period of time, but I’m sure he’ll have learned from that.

Over the course of Jones’s career he will develop into an astute performer, both mentally and physically—the psyche of Jones will flourish.

Jones will definitely have the edge in this sphere, and it will show when they eventually lock horns.

2. Skill Set

Both Jones and Evans are more or less on an equal footing when it comes to speed, striking and grappling ability.

Evans hand speed has been well-documented, but it’s safe to say that his speed was inconsequential against the likes of Machida, Thiago Silva (who was on the verge of knocking Evans out) and Rampage.

And in regards to Evans having one-punch knockout power, the fact remains that Evans defeated a washed-up fighter in Chuck Liddell, albeit with a fragile chin—a consequence of Liddell’s mantra—striking regardless of returning fire.

For Evans to execute said knockout punch, he’d have to get into punching range, and somehow I don’t think Jones will give him that opportunity.

When all is said and done, the skill differential between the two becomes apparent due to Jones’s wide range of striking skills that he can execute at various angles during a fight—unorthodox and unpredictable come to mind.

I’m not saying that Evans is a one-trick-pony, but given that both fighters skills are comparatively on an even par, the best that Evans can bring to the table is his glorified one-punch knockout power and a few head kicks for good measure.

One other advantage that Jones has over Evans is his vast improvement in Jiu-Jitsu—Bader and Rampage are testament to that.

1. Confidence of a Champion

Jones is the champion and he’s realized what only a select few have accomplished within the UFC—defend his title. That achievement alone will give the young phenom an abundance of confidence.

As with every champion in every sport, the relinquishing of one’s crown is tantamount to failure.  And in the worst case scenario, the heart will suffice in victory. I believe Jones wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s not going to give up his title without a fight or anytime soon.

There is a new era not only in the UFC light heavyweight division but in MMA as a whole—the era of Jon “Bones” Jones—par-excellence.

And it’s the status-quo that Evans and co. will have to get used to.