UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is open to superfights, but for now, he thinks only one man fits the mold.
Speaking to AXS TV’s Inside MMA, “Bones” indicated that heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez is the only opponent that would make for a superfight, despite recent talk of a showdown with middleweight titleholder Chris Weidman:
A lot of people are starting to mention Chris Weidman‘s name. I think in order for it to be a superfight, Chris Weidman needs to get his name a little bit bigger and prove himself against some other world champions. That being said, I think Cain Velasquez is the only guy that would actually be considered a superfight.
Jones had been steamrolling competition at 205 pounds for two-and-a-half years before eking out a close decision over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 in September.
Widely consider 2013’s “Fight of the Year” by media and fans alike, the 26-year-old set a UFC record by making his sixth successful light heavyweight title defense.
The Greg Jackson’s MMA standout next defends his belt against surging Brazilian contender Glover Teixeira at UFC 171 next month and has few other intriguing matchups in the division—outside of Daniel Cormier and a Gustafsson rematch.
Meanwhile, after suffering the one and only loss of his career, Velasquez has rattled off four straight wins (three TKOs), most recently dominating Junior dos Santos for a second time at UFC 166 in October.
The Mexican-American champ is expected to fight the winner of Fabricio Werdum vs. Travis Browne after he recovers from knee surgery.
As for Weidman, “The All-American” puts his undefeated record (11-0) and championship belt on the line against ex-light heavyweight titleholder Vitor Belfort at UFC 173 in May.
Weidman recently stated that he would have no problem moving up to 205 pounds before his career is over, per MMA Junkie.
Should they continue their winning ways, is Jones vs. Velasquez the fight to make sometime in the next year?
John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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