UFC 140 Preview: Rising Star Jon Jones Will Keep Electrifying Fans with Win

UFC has a genuine star on its hands in Jon "Bones" Jones. The best thing about Jones is that he's only 24 years old, so he'll be around for an awfully long time.

The only blemish on Jones's stellar record was a disqualification loss versus Matt Hamill. Otherwise, his record is perfect. That loss came two years ago. Jones has fought five fights since that defeat. Not only is he perfect in those fights but not a single one of them has even gotten to the decision.

His opponent on Saturday is Lyoto Machida. It's not that Machida is a bad fighter. Nobody who sports a 17-2 record can be considered a bum, or anything close to one. But this goes beyond that.

For one, unlike Jones, Machida's last few fights have not been successful. He did beat Randy Couture in his most recent fight, but he lost the two previous bouts. One of them was a split-decision loss to Quinton Jackson, the same man who Jones handily beat in September.

But this isn't about what Machida can't do. He's a fine fighter. No, this is about Jones, who has taken the sport over. Of his 14 wins, only two have gotten to decision. For someone who's not a heavyweight, that's virtually unheard of. Eight of those wins have come by knockout. 

As a point of reference, nine of Machida's 17 wins have been by decision. Six of the other eight came by way of a knockout.

For a light heavyweight, Jones's numbers are just crazy. Again, he's only going to get better in time. I'm sure that's scary to think about if you're not a fan of his, but the rest of us need to enjoy him. 

Guys like this aren't produced that often. When they are, their fights need to be enjoyed. 

As far as a prediction goes, don't look for this one to go very long. Jones will dominate the fight from the open and win it from there.

Prediction: Jones by TKO (3rd round)

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