Do you now believe?
Between the massive tweets and eccentric fans who tuned into UFC 140, the MMA community witnessed Jon Jones’ deciding victory over the aggressive Lyoto Machida Saturday night.
Whether it was the nasty gash on Machida’s forehead, compliments of a Jones elbow, or the out-of-this-world standing guillotine that ended the fight in the second round, Jones’ decisive win over a top contender was everything justifiable.
Heading into UFC 140, many people, whether they wanted to or not, disregarded Jones as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, considering he had only defended his UFC light heavyweight championship once.
But following this victory, one that came after a first-round barrage of Machida strikes, what’s left to say about Jones?
Honestly, not much. I mean, what can you say?
He is, right now, the best fighter in the world. Whether you disagree in respect for middleweight champion Anderson Silva, or if you just don’t want to crown a 24-year-old the “great one,” Jones’ dominance reigns true in any fashion.
The guy has only been training MMA for four years, and he has already captured glory at the grandest scale. To think that his victory over Machida Saturday night wasn’t part of some glorious UFC destination seems unrewarding and unfair to a guy who has done everything—in and out of the Octagon—to perfection.
At this point in his career, with his striking ability, quick reactions to limit damage and his unorthodox submissions, Jones has simply transformed into a younger Silva.
Not only because he resembles Silva through length, speed and demeanor, but because his attitude and success in the cage proves too valuable to pass up.
Think about it this way. Can you imagine what the UFC would witness is Silva was currently 24 years old?
It’d be madness.
One fighter who has the power to take over the sport. One athlete who can transcend his predecessors at every level. One man who can shift the sport into mainstream America and rule mixed martial arts for the next decade.
Well, look no further. Imagination or not, Jon Jones is currently that guy.
He is the 24-year-old Silva that the UFC needs.
Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis.
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