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While boxing has its flaws, the sweet science is notorious for nurturing young talent and allowing that talent to blossom into masterful technique, drawing power, and strong ticket sales. MMA isn’t known for nurturing its prospects in that way, and that’s somewhat a shame. There have been far too many talented mixed martial artists brought up too fast, only to see their vaunted potential rot away like a gangrenous appendage.
Fortunately, the UFC has done an exceptional job of progressing 23 year old light heavyweight phenomenon, Jon Jones. The efficiency in the Octagon that “Bones” has developed from Andre Gusmao to Vladmir Matyushenko is absolutely terrifying. Because of the slow build, the wild and unpredictable techniques that Jones utilized in earlier fights are now fight finishing sequences. Jones is just now starting to pace himself enough to be able to use his dynamism in short, violent, fight finishing bursts.
The UFC is well aware of the fact that Jon Jones is a star on the rise, and the fact that the last three performances for the organization have been television main events serve as proof. The UFC are keeping him sharp, keeping him marketable, and ensuring that he’s seen in front of as many eyeballs as possible.
Despite the viewing audience being so impressed with the results Jones has produced thus far, the UFC’s insistence on a gradual approach with the Endicott, New York native has drawn some sharp criticism. However, it appears that they’re finding it difficult to test Jon Jones. Stephan Bonnar had the experience edge, Jake O’Brien and Matt Hamill were to challenge his wrestling, Brandon Vera was set to test his the striking, and Matyushenko was to reprise the “grinding wrestler” role against Jones and stifle him. Jones breezed through all of those would-be “stylistic nightmares” and now needs to fight for the rankings and title opportunities.
Popular demand seems to be for Jones to compete against a serious light heavyweight contender, and speaking via “The Daily Line” on Versus, UFC president Dana White announced that is exactly what he plans on setting in place. White declared that Jones is ready for a “top eight” fighter; however, given the increasing speed in which Jones is dispatching opponents, one has to wonder if “top eight” is good enough.
RELATED STORY: UFC QUOTABLES: Jon Jones wants a top three light heavyweight - or James Toney - in his next fight: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
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