Jon Jones looks to defend his title once again at UFC 140 against Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida. The main event looks to be quite the clash of styles, as Jones and Machida have some of the most unique fighting styles in the UFC.
A win for Jones would solidify him as one of the best light heavyweight champions in the history of the UFC. In a single calendar year, Jones would have wins against Ryan Bader, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Machida. Three out of those four are former champions, and Bader is an Ultimate Fighter winner.
That’s quite an impressive resume for someone who’s as young as Jones is.
But it’s not just the people he’s beaten (or will beat), it’s the manner in which he’s beaten them. He destroyed Bader and “Shogun” and used a picture perfect game plan to take down “Rampage.” If Jones can reel off another impressive victory against Machida, the “greatest of all-time” talk will only amplify for Jones.
His haters will grow even more agitated and louder. They will look towards the next guy being the one to dethrone the champion. Undoubtedly, that guy will be Rashad Evans, Jones’ arch nemesis.
A win against Machida will feel like a hollow win for Jones. Like beating an opposing team without their best player, he will feel like there’s still more to accomplish.
The UFC can’t bring Evans into the cage after a Jones victory to “steal the spotlight,” but he’s going to be hanging over the head of Jones and the UFC after Jones gets his hand raised.
A victory over Machida will do a lot to cement Jones’ legacy, but it won’t mean anything to fans if the final line doesn’t read “Jon Jones def. Rashad Evans.”
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