The Jon “Bones” Jones vs. Chael Sonnen main event at UFC 159 won’t be as exciting as the hype leading up to it.
If you like knockouts, you’ll probably like what you’re going to see, but if you’re looking for an epic, back-and-forth battle, search YouTube for another fight.
Jones is going to stop Sonnen inside of two rounds. Here’s why:
Diverse Striking Ability
Jones uses his elbows as well as any fighter I’ve ever seen in the sport. Just when you think that you have a handle on Bones’ bows, he seemingly invents a knew way to punish with them.
Just ask Rashad Evans.
His feet, fists and knees are nearly as dangerous. To say Sonnen has never faced an opponent like Jones would be unfair to Sonnen. No one has faced a striker quite like Jones.
Height and Length
Every weapon Jones has in the stand-up is augmented by his enormity at 205 pounds. Standing 6’4″, he holds a three-inch height advantage over Sonnen.
Because he’s also athletic and smart, Jones is able to use his size as much as any fighter in any weight class.
Takedown Defense
Chael Sonnen‘s only chance to win this fight is to take Jones to the ground. Sonnen is one of the world’s best wrestlers, but per UFC.com, Jones has 100-percent efficiency in defending takedowns.
Even if Sonnen gains top control on Jones, the champion is so well-rounded that he could likely handle himself off his back.
But I doubt he ever gets there. With those distinct advantages identified, here’s how I see the round-by-round action transpiring:
Round 1
Jones attempts to bring the action to Sonnen as opposed to backpedaling like most of the challenger’s opponents do.
He uses lateral movement to avoid Sonnen‘s charges and also to create striking angles. It is similar to the strategy Anderson Silva used to stop both Sonnen and Stephan Bonnar.
Sonnen will be open to knee strikes and elbows as Jones puts himself in position to counter. The challenger will survive the first five minutes, but he will wear the scars of a dominant round for the champion.
Round 2
Jones will take total control. Look for a spectacular strike to drop Sonnen to all fours. Jones will pounce and pound him out to end the fight.
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