Jon “Bones” Jones and Daniel “DC” Cormier couldn’t be much more different. That’s part of what makes their bout on Saturday night at UFC 182 so compelling. Their personalities clash—which explains why they hate each other. Also, their fighting styles are different as well.
Jones is an unorthodox, gifted striker with excellent takedown defense. Cormier is a world-class wrestler with quick hands and good boxing. This explains why, even aside from the mutual malice, the fight is so intriguing.
Last but not least, this fight is for the UFC undisputed light heavyweight championship of the world. Jones is already an all-time great, and Cormier might be his most significant test.
Put it all together and you have the most highly anticipated fight perhaps in UFC history. Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter agrees with me.
You can watch any number of the hype videos to see the storyline for this feud, but let’s take a closer look at how these two men match up physically. Here’s a Tale of the Tape with information per Fight Metric.
Each Fighter’s Best Physical Attribute
Jones’ Length
Not only is Bones 6’4″, but he also has an 84″ reach. That just measures his length from armpit to knuckle. His legs are also very long.
What makes all of these length numbers all the more relevant is the fact that Jones is the rare tall pugilist who knows how to use his height. He’s a master at using his limbs as a first line of defense and using spatial awareness to know when he’s out of range.
Opponents must wade through his arms and knees before getting in striking distance. All the while, they must remain on the lookout for spinning elbows, fists, knees and educated feet.
Cormier‘s Strength
DC obviously has great technique. You don’t make it to the Olympics as a wrestler without excellent technique. Beyond that, he is strong as an ox.
Once he locks on, his opponents usually have little choice but to go where he throws them. Throughout Jones’ career, he’s thwarted 97 percent of the takedowns attempted against him.
But he’s never fought a wrestler like Cormier before.
Most Lethal Weapon
Jones’ Elbows
Bones has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, but the most deadly are his sharp and accurate elbows. He has finished Brandon Vera, Vladimir Matyushenko and Chael Sonnen with these strikes.
He’s also punished others such as Rashad Evans with them. Against Cormier, the elbow could be a big key again. Just like Evans, Cormier is a much shorter wrestler who will look to close distance and grapple.
Routinely, Jones bashed Evans’ face with his elbows just as Suga tried to get into range. Without question, Cormier has seen this fight. Will he be able to avoid a similar fate?
Cormier‘s Takedowns
We mentioned Cormier‘s strength earlier, but that’s just part of what makes him so good at securing takedowns. He’s nailed 49 percent of his attempts in his career, mostly because he’s relentless and skilled.
Case in point, against Dan Henderson, the long-time veteran appeared to escape Cormier‘s grasp only to be tripped and dropped as he tried to retreat.
Cormier will use every part of his body to get his opponent to the mat, but that will be easier said than done against Jones.
Boy, this is going to be one heck of a fight.
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com