The rest of the UFC light heavyweight division is at the mercy of Jon Jones, but that doesn’t mean the phenom should move up to heavyweight.
Not yet, at least.
As he unleashes his beautifully violent fury on the rest of the UFC, it’s easy to forget that Jones is just 24 years old. His body is still changing, still growing, and it would be foolish for him to make a premature jump to heavyweight.
Because of his massive 6’4″ frame, Jones will naturally became a heavyweight as he gets older. He currently walks around at 230 pounds, so cutting to 205 won’t be healthy when he reaches his 30s.
Eventually, nature will indicate that it’s time for Jones to move up. Until then, he should enjoy his run of dominance and learn as much as he can.
Jones is perhaps the most skilled fighter on the planet, possessing every tool that a mixed martial artist needs. But while he currently looks unstoppable, the heavyweight division is an entirely different animal.
The division currently features beasts like Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem, Frank Mir and Cain Velasquez. Not only are those guys incredibly skilled, but they often have to cut weight to reach the 266-pound weight limit. That’s just terrifying.
Yes, there are no more challenges for Jones at 205 pounds. He’s already buried the division’s top contenders, crossing Ryan Bader, Shogun Rua, Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida and now Rashad Evans off his hit list.
Next up is Dan Henderson, who will likely be 42 years old by the day of the fight. And with all due respect to the legendary Hendo, Jones will probably knock him from the UFC to the AARP.
Jones is simply too big, too long and too skilled for light heavyweight fighters. He’s impossible to take down, he doesn’t make mistakes and he inflicts a poetic brand of punishment that’s just gorgeous as long as you’re not on the receiving end.
At this point, the rest of the division should be kindling incense and praying to the MMA god that is Jones. If he moves up to heavyweight, though, his stature within the sport—and more importantly, his health—could take a serious downturn.
Many fight fans are pleading for Jones to move up, but we must have patience. Jones has the potential to be the best MMA fighter of all time. Why would we want him to risk sacrificing that distinction by moving up in weight when he’s not ready?
Eventually, Jones will be a terror in the heavyweight division. Until then, just sit back and appreciate the greatness he displays at 205.
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