Jon Jones is not only the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, he is also the organization’s long-reigning light heavyweight champion. Leading up to UFC 165, Jones had destroyed every foe in his path. He consistently made many seasoned fighters appear unworthy in their attempts to defeat the current champion. Some of Jones’ victims included former world champions in the form of Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Jones is virtually the only undefeated fighter (his only loss is via disqualification) among the light heavyweight division’s Top 10 contenders. The 26-year-old absolutely demolished the majority of his opponents—until his meeting with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165.
Jones’ bout against Gustafsson on Sept. 21, 2013, was one of epic proportions. It was a back-and-forth battle in which the champion retained his title via unanimous decision. However, the matchup exposed weaknesses on the part of Jones and illustrated a blueprint to beating the champion.
Recently, Jones spoke of moving to the heavyweight division. However, given a much-desired rematch between Jones and Gustafsson, accompanied by the talent of other viable light heavyweights, 2014 already appears quite eventful for the champion and MMA fans alike.
The following highlights a variety of high-octane matchups on the horizon for the light heavyweight champion in 2014.