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ASK THE TORCH: Amadi answers reader question on crowning UFC champ Jon Jones too early
Oct 10, 2011 - 12:25:49 PM ASK THE TORCH: Amadi answers reader question on crowning UFC champ Jon Jones too early

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By: Jason Amadi, MMATorch Columnist

Reader question from Mike: This is probably the first and last time I will write to the MMATorch website mainly because I am not the type to dive into open debate, as I would prefer to be an observant but silent participant.  Your recent articles covering Jon Jones meteoric rise up the light weight ladder may be slightly over exaggerated or at the least overly prophetic. I normally appreciate your commentary on the MMA scene but Jon Bones Jones cannot be put in the same category as Anderson Silva or GSP.  You and the other slightly over zealous reporters  on other MMA sites are doing a major injustice to the MMA scene by proclaiming Jones to be the present and future of the MMA scene.  Consider the obvious example Lyoto Machida and the bandwagon that was filled to capacity when he obtained his belt. (I'm still waiting for the Machida era by the way). In conclusion I do believe Jones is an elite fighter but in this line of business I seem to notice that defending your belt once is an omen more so then a confirmation of your grasp of the division. I know I never raised a question but would appreciate a response from you or a member of the MMATorch team.  Thanks for the time and keep up the great work.

A: Mike, I agree with you 100%. What makes Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre two of the greatest fighters we've ever seen is that they've been able to dominate elite fighters for years. Jon Jones has just begun facing top talents in the light heavyweight division, and though he's been dominant, he still has a long way to go before he enters any sort of all-time great discussion.

It's also worth mentioning that Jones' two forays into elite waters have come against former Pride stars who's best days are behind them. Shogun's mobility has been compromised by a number of knee surgeries, and even then he's always had issues with his cardio and defensive wrestling.
Quinton Jackson, while still dangerous, long ago decided that he only wants to box and defend takedowns. Because “Rampage” always plants his feet to generate power, he's susceptible to the kinds of leg attacks that Jon Jones and Forrest Griffin used to defeat him. Also, because Jackson no longer looks for takedowns himself, his opponents are free to kick, knee, throw elbows in close, and pretty much do whatever they please. “Rampage” is one of the division's elite fighters for sure, but Jon Jones is just too much for a fighter who chooses to only attack one way.

Jones' toughest challenges still lie ahead and if he continues to dominate, then and only then will discussion of all-time great status will be appropriate.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter @JasonAmadi. I pretty much just do this, but I get to use my phone. It's awesome.