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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
At 25-years-old, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has already accomplished more in his career than the vast majority of fighters could ever hope to accomplish. He's competed in the sport for less than five years, yet has compiled a 17-1 record, with the sole loss coming by disqualification.
He defeated numerous prospects and veterans en route to his first title fight, and has since defeated five former champions, defending the UFC Light Heavyweight Title four straight times. He's done so much already, but he has no plans on slowing down. Instead, he's setting his sights on even loftier goals.
"Because things have been going so well, right now it's about not putting limits on anything and realizing the sky is the limit," Jones said in an interview with USA Today. "Really, I want everything, and I've said that since day one. I want to be the best. I want to be a record-holder in everything. I want to be a heavyweight champion and a light-heavyweight champion. I want it all."
That move to heavyweight won't come immediately, and it won't be without its challenges, but Jones remains confident in himself and his abilities.
"I respect the champions and the top-ranked guys in the heavyweight division," Jones said. "I realize that me, at my current size, the odds would be majorly against me, so it would be about doing it right, doing it with a lot of passion, and having fun with the game. I'll do it right when that time comes, I'll give it my all, and I'll expect to be a winner."
Penick's Analysis: Jones has expressed interest in a move to heavyweight for awhile, but this is him putting serious thought into the idea and eventually making the move at the right time. If there's any fighter capable of successfully transitioning up and having success at heavyweight, it's Jones, and though it won't be anytime soon, it will eventually happen. If he continues winning fights at light heavyweight the way he's been doing, that transition will come in its own time. Winning the Heavyweight Championship will not be easy, but Jones is uniquely talented competitor, and I don't know that anyone would put it past him to accomplish this goal.
Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
STAFF COLUMNISTS: Shawn Ennis - Jason Amadi
Frank Hyden - Rich Hansen
Chris Park - Matt Pelkey
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