Following Jon Jones’ easy victory over Rashad Evans at UFC 145 in Atlanta, GA, numerous pundits proclaimed that the young UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has replaced Anderson Silva, or Georges St-Pierre, atop the vaunted pound-for-pound list.
From what I have seen from Jon Jones, I would still not place him in the top three.
Now, before you stop reading and skip to the comment section to yell at me, I implore you to keep reading so that we are all clear on where I am coming from.
Many fans love pound-for-pound rankings and love to debate them, while many others think they are pointless. Though, from what I have seen, almost all have misinterpreted what the pound-for-pound list is supposed to be. At least in this man’s opinion.
The pound-for-pound list was designed in combat sports to put in perspective who was the most talented boxer or fighter regardless of weight class. Yes, in boxing, Floyd Mayweather would get pummeled by Wladimir Klitschko but not because the latter is more talented. It was a hypothetical question asked: If the fighters were the same size, who would win?
And therein lies why Jon Jones does not make my pound-for-pound ranking.
Jones’ greatest skill is utilizing his size. Something that is irrelevant in the pound-for-pound debate. His incredible reach and length are the greatest factors in his fights.
Technically, Jones leaves many things to be desired in his striking game. While he performs flashy techniques, those same techniques leave him open for a counter—if anyone could get into range.
Even with a few submissions to his credit, we have yet to see what his ground game truly entails. What about his wrestling? Unquestionably he is very skilled with his Greco-Roman background, but his dominant technique inside the Octagon has him using his long legs to trip opponents from the clinch.
If you ask me how he stacks up pound-for-pound against Anderson Silva, GSP or Jose Aldo, I will immediately tell you that all three would see success against Jones. All three are more technical on their feet and on the ground than the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
If you ask me who the best fighter in the world is I will tell you Jon Jones.
What he is able to do, because of his length, is astonishing. He is a master at utilizing his greatest asset. And all the while he is improving in the other areas of his game.
In time I may very well move him up my pound-for-pound fighters list, but at this time I see far too many technical flaws that without his length would cause concern.
Jon Jones is the best fighter on the planet right now. But my issue with placing him atop any pound-for-pound list is that, by definition, his greatest asset would be taken away from him.
Asking who is the best fighter and who is the pound-for-pound better fighter are two entirely different questions for me. If you want to argue that he should still be included, I will definitely hear your pleas.
There really is no wrong answer. I will accept if you have different interpretations of what a pound-for-pound list is. That is the nature of the beast with such an ambiguous topic.
But this is how I interpret what it means, and by my definition, Jon Jones simply is not ready to crack that list. While a pound-for-pound list is fun, it is not an accurate way to gauge who the best fighter in the world is.
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