Reader Reax
READER REAX: MMATorch readers sound off on what skills will be necessary to beat UFC Champ Jon Jones
Apr 28, 2014 - 7:45:39 PM READER REAX: MMATorch readers sound off on what skills will be necessary to beat UFC Champ Jon Jones

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On Sunday, we posted a question to MMATorch readers for our "Reader Reax" feature. Here are the first batch of responses to the following question:

What skills are going to be required by a fighter in order to defeat Jon Jones? Is there anyone in the light heavyweight division currently who can get that done?


Corey W.: What skills would it take to defeat Jon Jones? Basically skill alone is not enough. He has proven himself an incredibly well rounded fighter, with knockout power, strong wrestling, takedown defense, and the ability to last the distance on the odd occasion he doesn't get the finish. As well as his obvious physical and mental advantages over pretty much every fighter (at least on a numbers level) in the UFC and elsewhere.

To defeat a fighter of his caliber, his opponent would need two things:

1) To be equally, if not more proficient in every single area - as Jones' freakish ability to adapt exposes his opponents weaknesses - is insurmountable for a pure striker, wrestler, or submission artist.

2) A strong game plan, as well as the cardio and will to enforce it on the youngest champion in UFC history in his prime.

Now finally, is there anyone in the UFC capable of beating him? Definitely. Alexander Gustafsson has the hunger and all around ability, while Daniel Cormier has more than enough strength to impose his own wrestling game, neutralizing Jones' (arguably) strongest area, and with the striking to be a threat standing up as well.

Whether either of these, or in fact any other fighter actually pulls it off is a completely different story. As much as I and everyone else would love to see an upset, I just don't see it actually happening anytime soon. Considering the news that he was "only fighting at 80%" against Gustafsson, who so far has been the closest yet to dethrone Jones, it will be truly something to see when he finally does meet the right opponent on the right night who makes him dig deep for that last 20%.

Or he gets knocked out in his next fight. If it can happen to The Spider, it can happen to everyone else. That's the fight game for you.


Derek R.: Jon Jones is without a doubt the toughest person to draw up someone with the necessary skills to beat him. He is elite everywhere. I do not think that anyone in the light heavyweight division can beat him, but Daniel Cormier is the guy I'd give the best chance to. I think you need someone that has world class skills in one area while still being skilled enough everywhere else to avoid trouble. If Cormier can take Jones down consistently or keep him against the fence and tag him like Cain did to JDS then maybe he has a shot. I know Gustafsson gave Jones a great fight, I just don't see him keeping it close next time out.


Mike M.: The ability to take him down and keep him down over and over again. The problem is I'm not sure that person is in the UFC at the moment.

Cormier has the best shot because he has great hip and core strength. His only opportunity to do so is against the cage because of Jones superior length and athleticism.

I do not believe he will actually be able to do so, but I believe he possesses the best chance. I don't think there is a man in the LHW division at the moment that has the skill set to beat Jones.


Mark: Q: What/who can stop Jones?

A: Thor.


Richard R.: It's going to take whatever skills it is that Alexander Gustaffson possesses. Jones simply isn't going to make it out of their rematch with his belt. Outside of Gustaffson, in order for someone to beat "Bones" at this point in this career, it's going to take someone who can physically bully Jones. If you let Jones dictate where the fight takes place, then you're not going to have a good night. You've gotta be able to outwrestle and out-clinch Jones, and force him to fight where ever you want him to fight. The fight with Glover showed that just having big power isn't enough to stop Jones. I think Cormier is the guy who most encompasses these skills. In short, I don't think there's any way Jones holds that title into 2015 with those two guys as his next two challenges.

[Jon Jones art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]