When Jon “Bones” Jones defeated Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135 on Sept. 24, he proved two things.
The first, that he is in fact the future of the UFC. Secondly, not only is he is the future of the sport, but so is his style.
Jones defeated Jackson in fashion looking similar to UFC’s greatest fighter of all time, Anderson Silva.
Similar to Silva, Jones demonstrated a supremacy in all aspects of the sport as he remained the UFC Light Heavyweight champion via rear naked choke.
“Bones” Jones also proved that in order for someone to beat him, they’ll have to be well rounded in all aspects of mixed martial arts.
And, what this also means is, fighters similar to Jackson will soon be left behind.
Why? Because, the UFC is quickly emerging from being featured around the “one punch” knockout artists to “well-rounded” fighters.
As we’ve seen with fighters such as Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Forrest Griffin, you can no longer be one-dimensional in the UFC.
Jones has proved that his stand-up striking, kicking, and clinch is the future style of the UFC.
Not only is Jones a force on his feet but in the takedown, grappling, and submission game as well.
And, while the future style of the UFC is requiring its fighters to be well-rounded, they must also be able to adapt to their opponents.
Similar to George St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald, mixed martial artists must now demonstrate the ability to leave their game plans and still manage to come out on top.
The UFC and its style is quickly changing as shown by champions Silva and Jones.
And, not only is the sport making this transition, but it will begin to leave behind those who fail to become well-rounded fighters in their respective weight classes.
Jon Jones has proved that he and his style are the future of the UFC.
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