UFC 140 Fight Card: Is Jon Jones Being Pushed Too Hard Too Fast?

Jon Jones has without a doubt had one of the best years in recent MMA history.

Jones began the year as the UFC’s top rising star.

After defeating Ryan Bader at UFC 126 Jones was told he would be the replacement for his now former training partner Rashad Evans at UFC 128.

Despite the bout being taken on such short notice, Jones could not pass up the opportunity to fight for a UFC title. Jones went on to defeat Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, becoming the youngest champion in UFC history.

Although Jones was scheduled to take on Evans next at UFC 133, Jones suffered a hand injury that could have potentially kept him out for an extended period of time.

Jones later found out that the injury was not as bad as he thought, and was scheduled for his third fight of the year against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Jones once again dominated a former champion, defeating Jackson in his first title defense by submission.

Once again Jones was set to meet Evans, and once again an injury forced some one out of the bout, this time Evans.

Jones will now face another former UFC champion, Lyoto Machida at UFC 140.

The bout will be Jones’ fourth fight of the year.

Although it may seem crazy for a UFC fighter, especially a champion to fight four times in a year, there was once a time in MMA where a fighter could fight three or four times in a single night.

Jones himself fought 7 times 2008.  

Although Jones’ bout with Machida will be his fourth of the year, it’s easy to see why he would be the one champion to have so many fights this year.

Jones is a lot younger than many of the champions. Also, he has dominated his fights seemingly taking little to no damage.

Although Jones has been injured in fights, his injuries have been less serious that they were originally thought to be.

In today’s day and age it may seem almost brutal for a fighter to fight more than three times in a year. But the UFC wants to push Jones as the new face of MMA. 

It may be too much too soon, but it may also just be a sign of the UFC's faith in Jones.