Despite disposing another former UFC champion in Lyoto Machida, it isn’t likely Jon Jones will face Anderson Silva in a dream fight that fans have been wanting for some time.
The UFC light heavyweight champion recorded his fifth straight victory after he successfully defended the title at UFC 140 this past weekend. Jones, who was making his second title defense, overcame a difficult opening round against his opponent to submit Machida in the second round.
However, UFC President Dana White said Jones’ recent success hasn’t earned him any super-fight with the 185-pound titleholder anytime soon.
“I don’t see that fight happening anytime soon,” White told reporters during the post-fight press conference.
Jones’ current dominance over the light heavyweight division has drawn comparisons to Silva, who has ruled over the middleweight division for the past five years. Also, Jones’ lanky frame and creative striking techniques are parallel to that of the Brazilian, and thus, has created a substantial amount of hype surrounding the potential bout.
With fellow pound-for-pound kingpin, Georges St-Pierre, currently sidelined with a torn ACL, some fans’ have favored the 24-year-old over the French-Canadian to compete against Silva.
But White shot down the idea, citing Jones’ inexperience as a possible factor.
“He’s 24 years old. He’s just getting out there and fighting all the best in the light heavyweight division,” he said. “What people have to realize, too, is Anderson Silva is 37 years old. They’re in two different weight classes.”
Jones’ recent victory has granted him some much-needed rest, as he won’t likely make his next title defense until mid-2012 against either Rashad Evans or Dan Henderson.
Meanwhile, Silva has been out of action since August when he made his last title defense against Yushin Okami at UFC 134. The Brazilian is expected to return by early summer next year.
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