It should not come as a surprise that UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones would consider making a move up to heavyweight after dominating the light heavyweight division. In fact, the best “Bones” might show up at heavyweight if Jones makes the move.
Unquestionably, a move up in weight would transform the division.
Besides adding a fresh name to the 25-man UFC heavyweight roster, it also introduces a different set of skills to the division as well as test Jones’ abilities against those of the UFC’s “big boy” weight class.
Now, how would it introduce a different set of skills to the division? Think back to Jones’ style, and remember what he brings to every fight. In addition to natural athleticism, he also blends his wrestling with his judo well, all while incorporating razor-sharp elbows and a technical yet unorthodox striking game.
Unorthodox fighting styles create demand on their own because very few will ever deny the opportunity to watch a fighter whose style defies convention while still garnering success. Jones’ style does that already at light heavyweight, and it impresses greatly.
Even when he doesn’t throw something unorthodox on the feet, he does find a new way of beating quality fighters.
Now, imagine Jones taking those skills to heavyweight. Envision Jones trying to submit a heavyweight with tremendous submission defense or knock out a fighter with a granite chin and an iron heart. Therein lies the test that Jones and his abilities would encounter.
How would he fare against a man with Roy Nelson’s size and power? Could he handle the challenge of a man like Stefan Struve, who matches his 84.5-inch reach and would stand eight inches taller than Jones? What happens when his athleticism and cardio face that of a heavyweight like UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez?
Of course, one can always bring up Junior Dos Santos’ chin, or Alistair Overeem’s kickboxing. In the same breath, one can bring up the undefeated Daniel Cormier, who carries a solid game offensively and defensively.
Jones could find himself in plenty of interesting situations if he does jump to heavyweight, but until he finishes business at light heavyweight and makes the jump, all the “what if” scenarios remain hypothetical.
However, all the hypotheticals that point to Jones wiping out the heavyweights can come true.
With the best Jones yet to come, the question really asks more about when Jones will make the jump rather than if he will.
In time, we will see those bouts come to fruition. Until then, let’s sit back and watch the best light heavyweight in the sport showcase his art once more before taking on the most must-see division in mixed martial arts.
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