(photo by Ethan Miller_Getty Images)
With the meteoric rise of UFC light heavyweight Jon “Bones” Jones (12-1) through the 205 lb division, it’s a wonder just how far he’ll be able to go.
This Saturday he’ll face one of his toughest tests in current UFC champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua when the two meet in Newark, New Jersey at UFC 128. Rua presents the wily veteran to Jones zealous youth, fans will have to wait a few more days to see which will prove victorious.
During this past week, Jones has been brimming with his confidence as well as his personal belief that he can be crowned champion on March 19. This was very evident during Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference when Jones talked to the media about his abilities, joking occasionally about the fight. It’s his bravado that it is his destiny to become a world title holder.
Another interpretation of all of Jones talk might be one of overconfidence after listening to the media media and odds makers name him the favorite over the past month. Could it be that despite his statements saying otherwise, that he’s fallen for his own hype? Youth and the energy can certainly overcome many obstacles, but will it be enough to defeat a top fighter like Rua?
While Jones wooed the media with his talk at the pre-fight press conference, Rua sat passively answering questions calmly like the experienced fighter he is, letting his opponent take the stage. “Shogun” has been here before, rising to stardom at the same age of 23 as Jones, by winning the 2005 PRIDE middleweight Grand Prix. So the Brazilian is keenly aware of Jones situation, and knows that despite all the talk that a champion will only be declared after the dust settles Saturday night.
So then, in keeping with most media outlets, what is next for “Bones” Jones? It’s a curious case indeed.
A win over “Shogun” seemingly points to an upcoming title defense against teammate former champ Rashad Evans, for a belt that has only been successfully defended one time by only two of the last four champions. Should the title change hands again, then what for Jon Jones?
Well of course, if Jon Jones wins, and keeps on winning, there is no need to discuss this further as he’ll rise to status of greatest ever and ranked among the pound-for-pound best in the world.
But a loss, a loss is something very few want to discuss, and that puts Jones where? Should the UFC give him a chance to fight for the belt again if he can beat another highly ranked opponent, or will they string him along further giving the young fighter more time to mature.
One proposal, which might make sense on paper but not in the UFC pocket books, would be to move him into the Strikeforce promotion to cut his teeth against some of the veterans there, as well as age under lights not quite so bright as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Of course that would mean that Jones would have to lose Saturday night, and who believes that? Quite a curious case indeed.