The Octagon has long been deemed as the ultimate proving ground for mixed martial artists, and the upcoming UFC 197 event which is slated for this Saturday (April 23, 2016) will serve as no different. The UFC has stacked the deck with this event, as it’s set to be headlined by back to back title
The Octagon has long been deemed as the ultimate proving ground for mixed martial artists, and the upcoming UFC 197 event which is slated for this Saturday (April 23, 2016) will serve as no different.
The UFC has stacked the deck with this event, as it’s set to be headlined by back to back title fights with all eyes obviously landing on the highly anticipated return of reigning pound-for-pound king and former light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones, a man who’s spent the last year and a half on the sidelines dealing with legal issues.
After being involved in a hit and run accident last April in his home of New Mexico, “Bones” was arrested on felony charges and stripped of his long-held 205 pound strap.
Although he won’t get the chance to recapture his title against his arch nemesis and former champion Daniel Cormier like he was scheduled to, Jones will get the chance to claim an interim title against No. 6-ranked Ovince St. Preux.
With that being said, let’s take a look at Jones and five other fighters in desperate need of a win at UFC 197:
Jon Jones vs. Ovince St. Preux: Mike Drahota: Jon Jones is finally back, and he’s arguably in the best shape of his legendary MMA career. Time will tell if he can get past his out-of-cage struggles to regain his previously long-held UFC light heavyweight title belt, but he’s never really had much trouble winning fights
Jon Jones is finally back, and he’s arguably in the best shape of his legendary MMA career. Time will tell if he can get past his out-of-cage struggles to regain his previously long-held UFC light heavyweight title belt, but he’s never really had much trouble winning fights in the Octagon. He’s obviously not fighting arch rival champion Daniel Cormier, but late replacement St. Preux has some unorthodox striking and lethal knockout power, and Jones has had trouble with one other similarly sized opponent in Alexander Gustafsson. However, ‘OSP’ has also been handled thoroughly by touted grapplers Glover Teixeira and Ryan Bader. MMA math may not be the best deciding factor, but I still see Jones winning this by second-round submission.
Rory Kernaghan:
Jon Jones faces a dangerous fighter in Ovince Saint Preux, but in all honesty nothing new. With all due respect to OSP, I simply don’t feel he belongs in the octagon with Jones at this stage in his career. Truthfully, “Bones” is without doubt one of the greatest fighters of all time, even with all of the legal trouble going on in his personal life. The reach of Jones is a problem for any fighter, and I think he’ll be using it to fire nasty oblique kicks to keep his distance early on. I expect the former champion to utilize his nasty elbow attacks to wear down on St. Preux, eventually leading to a grizzly end. Again, no disrespect to OSP, but Jones is going to feed him some punishment. Jon Jones by TKO round three.
Mike Henken:
Jones has looked like an absolute monster in preparing for his return despite having to deal with a late opponent change just a few weeks prior to his fight. With that being said, I just don’t see many ways that St. Preux can challenge Jones. OSP is an elite level athlete with serious knockout power, but “Bones” is the best in the world, and possibly the best of all-time for a reason. I expect him to pick St. Preux apart on the feet before finishing the fight on the ground. Jones by third-round submission.
Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo:
Mike Drahota:
There’s little doubt that Cejudo provides a new and perhaps more challenging test as “Mighty Mouse” attempts to inch his way closer to Anderson Silva’s UFC title defense record, but for all of the hype that heaped upon Cejudo for his Olympic wrestling gold medal, he hasn’t shown me all that much in the Octagon. Yes, his striking is sufficient and his takedowns will always be a threat, but he’s still seeking his first UFC stoppage and is arguably facing the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Johnson has simply transcended 125 pounds in recent years, and has a variety of amazing finishes as he’s seemingly toyed with his opponents. Cejudo is very tough and may very well put up more of a fight than most, but I just don’t think he’s ready to take on a challenge like Johnson. “Mighty Mouse” by unanimous decision.
Rory Kernaghan:
Demetrious Johnson is another extremely dominant force, but is flying under the radar once again for his fight with Henry Cejudo. The former Olympian is a tremendous athlete, but does he have the MMA pedigree to take out such a superb fighter in ‘Mighty Mouse?’ Many would argue the contrary, but I find myself a little stuck on this pick. Cejudo is one of very few fighters who could potentially keep the pace of Johnson all five rounds, but the champion’s footwork and overall well rounded game is just so advanced and technical. I feel an upset coming in this fight, and I don’t often go with my gut, but I just sense that ‘Mighty Mouse’ is going to get caught with a big shot here. I know it’s against all the odds and the physics of this match up, but someone has to go for the underdog. Cejudo knocks out ‘Mighty Mouse’ in round one.
Mike Henken:
In my opinion, “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is one of the best fighters on the planet, although possibly not receiving the credit he deserves. The reigning flyweight boss seemingly does everything perfect, being able to strike from numerous stances as well as being able to transition effortlessly between takedowns and submission attempts. Despite being criticized for the ‘lack’ of competition he’s faced, “Mighty Mouse” has no easy task in Cejudo, an undefeated mixed martial artist and an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling. “The Messenger” has also improved his striking, but I don’t see it being enough to dethrone the king. Johnson by unanimous decision.
It’s once again fight day, but this time it’s particularly special, as the former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones makes his return to the octagon. After 15 months away from action, “Bones” was originally meant to challenge Daniel Cormier for the title. Instead the junior belt is on the line between Jones and Cormier’s injury
It’s once again fight day, but this time it’s particularly special, as the former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones makes his return to the octagon. After 15 months away from action, “Bones” was originally meant to challenge Daniel Cormier for the title. Instead the junior belt is on the line between Jones and Cormier’s injury alternate Ovince St-Preux. The odds will tell you that OSP is a long shot, Jones’ highlight reel record would also argue the same, but of course it’s a fight and anything can and often does happen.
All of the marbles of a shot at redemption lay in wait for “Bones,” and obviously a win for Saint-Preux would catapult him in to the elite status he’s been longing for. Unfortunately for the very likeable OSP, he’s facing a monster in the ex-champion.
Here’s LowKick’s Five Reasons Jon Jones Will Destroy OSP…
Variety
Life is like a box of chocolates, and much like Jon Jones’ striking, you never know what you’re going to get. “Bones” mixes up his wide variety of striking techniques so well, that even if you think you know what’s coming, you won’t be able to defend it. His accuracy is insane, and the brutal force he delivers his elbows, knees, kicks, punches and spinning strikes with is simply scary to watch.
For Ovince St-Preux it’s going to be a very tough night for many reasons, but perhaps the most dangerous aspect for the unlikely contender is that unpredictability of Jones’ tool box.
After 15 long months of endless legal issues and the stripping of his long-held title, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will finally return in the main event of tomorrow’s (April 23, 2016) UFC 197 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Although originally scheduled to rematch bitter rival and current title holder Daniel Cormier, Jones
After 15 long months of endless legal issues and the stripping of his long-held title, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will finally return in the main event of tomorrow’s (April 23, 2016) UFC 197 from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Although originally scheduled to rematch bitter rival and current title holder Daniel Cormier, Jones will instead face off with No. 6-ranked Ovince St. Preux for the interim 205 pound strap.
Despite the magnitude of “Bones’” return, UFC 197 has unfortunately flew under the radar due to the chaos surrounding July 9’s blockbuster UFC 200 which took place this past week.
To summarize the situation, UFC featherweight champion was pulled from his main event bout with Nate Diaz after he allegedly refused to participate in some of the promotional requirements for the event, apparently asking the UFC to reschedule to allow him adequate time to train and bounce back from a loss.
At this moment, McGregor is still off of UFC 200, leaving the card without a main event.
Although likely not looking past St. Preux, Jones recently stated that he would ‘absolutely’ headline the July card, hopefully against Cormier.
Cormier vs. Jones II has also been linked to November 12’s UFC 205 which will serve as the first event at the famed Madison Square Garden in Jones’ home of New York.
Recently speaking on both cards, the pound-for-pound king explained why he favors fighting at UFC 200 over fighting at UFC 205:
“I think headlining UFC 200. It would be bigger,” Jones told FOX Sports on Thursday. “I mean that’s a huge card. I think the numbers are going to be tremendous.
“As far as pay-per-view, I think 200 would be the bigger opportunity. That’s why I’m trying to get on it.”
At the end of the day, however, Jones is of course open to fighting in New York on what will undoubtedly be a monumental card, and likely one that would be highly meaningful to “Bones”:
“The Garden’s good, too,” Jones said about fighting at UFC 205. “I’ll take the Garden in a heartbeat.”
What do you think the future holds for Jones after his highly anticipated return tomorrow night?
It’s no secret that returning pound-for-pound king and former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones doesn’t have the best relationship with reigning title holder Daniel “DC” Cormier. The two possess one of the deepest rivalries in the history of the sport which Jones temporary settled with a unanimous decision victory back at January 2015’s
It’s no secret that returning pound-for-pound king and former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones doesn’t have the best relationship with reigning title holder Daniel “DC” Cormier.
The two possess one of the deepest rivalries in the history of the sport which Jones temporary settled with a unanimous decision victory back at January 2015’s UFC 182.
After running into trouble with the law last April, however, Jones was stripped of his title and Cormier secured the vacant strap at UFC 187.
Originally scheduled to rematch at this weekend’s (April 23, 2016) UFC 197, Jones will now meet No. 6-ranked Ovince St. Preux after Cormier was forced to withdraw with an injury.
Despite the delay, “Bones” and “DC” will most certainly meet in the near future, as their rivalry has only heightened in the previous weeks.
Looking back on Jones’ historic career, it’s also interesting to remember his rivalry with former training partner and former champion “Suga” Rashad Evans, a rivalry that came years before that of Jones and Cormier.
After a hectic build-up, Jones took a unanimous decision over Evans at UFC 145 in 2012. Years later, however, “Bones” is finally confident to say that bad blood is no more between he and “Suga”:
“I think it’s safe to say my beef with Rashad is gone,” Jones told FOX Sports on Thursday. “I won that fight when we fought so if anyone were to have hurt feelings, I’d imagine it would be him.
“Me and Rashad had really great moments before our drama started and those moments both me and him will remember. It was good times.”
As far as whether or not the two will ever train together again, Jones feels as if Evans is ‘too close’ to top 205 pound contender Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, a man “Bones” will likely meet in the future:
“As far Rashad coming down to Jackson’s, I think he’d be a tremendous training partner, but at the same time I think he’s a little too close to Anthony Johnson,” Jones explained.
Despite their rivalry being put to rest, it doesn’t appear as if the two light heavyweight legends will ever test each other in the training room again.
This weekend (Sat., April 23, 2016), all-time great former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will finally make his awaited return to the Octagon when he faces Ovince St. Preux in the main event of UFC 197 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones has been out of action since he beat
This weekend (Sat., April 23, 2016), all-time great former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will finally make his awaited return to the Octagon when he faces Ovince St. Preux in the main event of UFC 197 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jones has been out of action since he beat arch rival Daniel Cormier via unanimous decision at January 2015’s UFC 183 in a bout that feels like it took place ages ago. Unlike many other MMA stars of the current era, however, Jones’ absence was not due to injury.
No, “Bones” was infamously stripped of his belt in the aftermath of an incredibly tumultuous early part of 2015 that saw him fail an out-of-competition drug test for cocaine, spend one day in rehab for it, and ultimately succumb to much more serious charges when he broke the arm of a 25-year-old pregnant woman in a highly publicized early morning hit-and-run accident in his adopted home of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Jones paid the price for those acts in the form of 18 months probation and 72 public appearances to warn children of the consequences of mistakes like his, yet even those circumstances apparently couldn’t keep him out of trouble, as he was jailed for violating probation after receiving a slew of tickets during a traffic stop for alleged drag racing.
While those offenses are currently under examination when allegations of racial profiling and other misuse of the law was alleged against the officer in question by Jones’ legal team, there’s is more than obviously a much bigger issue in play, and that’s Jones’ seeming inability to stay out of trouble despite having the mixed martial arts (MMA) world as his proverbial fingertips when it comes to pure fighting talent and skill.
At this point in his triumphant yet troubling tale, it’s lead to a pair of stark contrasts for Jones; ones that have him compared in many ways to decorated, legendary boxers Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
On one hand, Jones’ performances in the cage can easily tie him to the body of work of the the aptly-named “Greatest” Ali, who not only transcended the sport of boxing with his amazing 56-5 record, not only with his historic rivalries with Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, and Sonny Liston, but also for his outspoken and trail-blazing accomplishments in the field of civil rights when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War and gave up a portion of his prime years to stand up for his religious and political beliefs.
No, Jones has not done anything remotely close to what Ali did in terms of truly influencing and vitalizing an entire race to stand up for themselves in the face of oppression, and it’s doubtful that he ever will. However, he does have the chance to turn his career around and be remembered as the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time, a title he may already be deserving of based on his in-cage accomplishments alone.
And a lot of that starts with the appearances he’s been forced to make due to his court-levied punishments. If Jones truly practices what he preaches and serves as an example of how troubled children can turn their lives around, then he’ll be remembered as one of the greats and most likely even the greatest as Ali was. Despite his popularity and unique progress in a torn world, Ali was far from perfect, and Jones need not be either.
He simply has to tow the line and stay out of trouble.
But there’s a far more dark and disappointing contrast to the boxing world that is a definite possibility for the one they call “Bones,” and that’s ending up being compared to the ultra-talented but perhaps even more troubled former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Like Jones, Tyson won the title at an extremely young age, and also like Jones, the results of stardom that early obviously had their adverse effects on what could have been an all-time great career. Like Jones, Tyson was stripped of a significant part of his prime based on his own mistakes when he was also incarcerated, although for far more nefarious reasons.
After shockingly losing his belt to James “Buster” Douglas in arguably the biggest upset of all-time in early 1990, Tyson was subsequently arrested for the rape of Miss Black Rhode Island winner Desiree Washington in July 1991 while awaiting his highly looked forward-to fight with new champion Evander Holyfield, who had won the belt from Douglas in his next fight.
“Iron Mike” was convicted as a jury found him brutish and arrogant, and an appeal from his legal counsel Alan Dershowitz fell upon deaf ears. Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison and four years probation, and even he was released after three and went on to contend for the heavyweight crown following his release, he was clearly never the same after his sad legal troubles.
Tyson is still regarded as one of the most fearsome boxers of his era and even all-time, but it’s clear that he could have been so, so much more.
That brings to the more cautionary comparison of Jones to Tyson, because while it’s clear that “Bones’s” legal troubles, while most certainly egregious and disappointing in their own right, are not quite as serious as Tyson’s more violent offense, and could probably be corrected if the UFC legend would only so choose to avoid foolish carrying on late at night.
The dynamic means that Jones is without a doubt at a career crossroads, one that will almost assuredly define the rest of his days as a fighter and will also most likely be based on his behavior outside of the cage more so than his performances inside of it.
He may not transcend nor define an era like Ali did, but he can certainly takes steps in that direction. Tyson, on the other hand, was more fraught with drug addiction, bankruptcy troubles, and a string of disappointing losses after a sub-prime version of himself emerged from the Indiana Youth Center in 1995. Jones could most certainly go down that dark road himself, as he was warned by a New Mexico judge that he ‘wouldn’t like it’ if he were to appear in front of him again.
Jones has gotten off comparatively easy for his offenses by most accounts, but there’s little doubt that repeat offenses will yield far more damaging results, and that’s simply something his otherwise stellar MMA career can’t handle at this point.
It’s up to him to prove to the entire MMA community, his friends, his family, his peers, and his employers that he is motivated to stay sober and continue building the legacy of the best MMA fighter that ever lived. He has the golden opportunity to have more than a second or even third chance, and he can use it to be considered a legend like a Ali.
Or, he can let his own demons dominate his behavior and end a cautionary footnote in combat sports history like Tyson is. The burden is on his shoulders, and just where this rollercoaster ride is headed next is wholly unknown.
Will it be a fun ride? Only “Bones” can decide that for himself, and in doing so, he will define a legacy that even he may not know the lasting ramifications of.
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