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Jun 25, 2009 - 1:42:22 PM By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief "I think Machida is getting a lot of hype, and I know he has lots of big wins over a lot of big fighters, and a lot of experience over me...I honestly believe that a great Muay Thai champion will beat a great karate fighter any day; it's been proven on lots of occasions. If Machida has (the belt) by the time I get to that level, I'll be ready for him. I'll have a lot of game planning and a lot of strategy ready. I want to be that greater Muay Thai fighter to beat a great karate champion...I'm going to go out there and pull the trigger if I ever get to fight Machida. I respect him a lot, but I definitely think he's very beatable. I know I have a lot of time before I get to that level of fighting him, but when I do, I definitely won't be nervous or intimidated by him at all, and (I'll be) ready to fight him."
-Up and coming light heavyweight prospect Jon Jones on UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida in an interview with Sergio Non at USA Today.
Penick's Analysis: The entire interview with Jones is very good, but these comments definitely stick out. Jones is clear to point out that he knows he's not at that level yet, but once he gets there he thinks he's got the tools to defeat the elusive Champ. The 21 year old is coming up as the "next big thing" in the light heavyweight division after winning his first eight fights in the span of nine months, the most recent of which was a decision victory over Stephen Bonnar at UFC 94. He faces Jake O'Brien at UFC 100.
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