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After Jones-Johnson, who do you think will emerge as the next Title challenger at 205 lbs., and why? How do you think the top of the division plays out in 2015?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
The easy way out of this questions is to say that if Rumble Johnson defeats Jon Jones, then of course Jon Jones' instant rematch will make him the next title challenger. But, so as to follow the spirit of the question here, let's say Jones wins via a non-controversial finish. Who's left? Pretending it's the day after, let's take a look at the rest of the top-tier LHWs:
Anthony Johnson - Just lost to Jones
Daniel Cormier - Lost to Jones in 2015
Rashad Evans - Lost to Jones in 2012
Alexander Gustafsson - Lost to Jones in 2013, currently lost two of last three fights
Ryan Bader - Lost to Jones in 2011
Phil Davis - If he loses again before Jones v. Johnson, he might be with Bellator by then
Glover Teixeira - Lost to Jones in 2014
Rampage Jackson - Lost (badly) to Jones in 2011
Ovince St. Preux - Has yet to lose to Jones
See how far down we have to go here in order to find a UFC LHW who Jones hasn't embarrassed once already? No one but Gustafsson has put up a fight worthy of a second chance, but he's done nothing since that fight to warrant a second chance.
If Jon Jones defeats Anthony Johnson, he needs to fight Cain Velasquez or Fabricio Werdum for the Heavyweight Title as soon as all relevant parties are healthy enough to accept the fight. Period.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think the UFC works towards an Alexander Gustafsson vs. Daniel Cormier #1 contender's fight. They probably give both guys a low-ranked opponent, then match them against each other after they win. After Gustafsson there's a big gulf in contenders. Cormier just got beat up by Jones, there's no reason to think he's going to do any better a year from now. The UFC is hoping that some new guy pops up and can challenge the top guys. Looking at the official UFC rankings you see Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, Gustafsson, and Cormier in the top 3. Then you have guys like Rashad Evans and Glover Teixieira, who have both lost to Jon Jones already and are only getting older. After that you have guys like Ryan Bader and Phil Davis. The UFC desperately needs some guys to step up in the division.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I'm as saddened to say this as I am to think it, but Ryan Bader made a case for himself by defeating Phil Davis. Rashad Evans is clearly in the mix, but he and Rumble won't be fighting each other at all. I think Johnson-Jones sees the winner face Ryan Bader or Rashad Evans depending upon how and when Daniel Cormier and Glover Teixeira return and get high level fights.
KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
It's very wide open. I personally think that Gustafsson will come back with a vengeance, and earn his number one contender spot back.
ALVIN CARTER, MMATORCH SPECIALIST
Daniel Cormier might get back into contention if he can get a strong win. At the current rate he may have a chance to get two strong wins before there is an opportunity to fight for the title again. I can also see Rashad Evans if Jones wins. It would be an interesting rematch.
TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
If Jon Jones defeats Anthony Johnson the options for him at light heavyweight are very limited. I'm not sure the UFC could sell another Cormier fight so soon if he's to win his next fight. Now Gustafsson has lost, and that fight for the meantime is on the back burner until he gets a few wins behind him.
Ryan Bader could be a possibility, but does anyone really want to see that? I certainly don't. The fight against Davis was truly awful, and he will have to improve by some distance if he's to get a title shot.
Rashad Evans could possibly be an option, though it's hardly a mouth watering prospect. In an ideal world, I'd rather Jones moves up to heavyweight if he's to win against Johnson.
Though if Johnson is to win, the whole division opens up and the possibility of fights for him are endless.
CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Unfortunately, if Jones beats Johnson he will have literally cleaned out the light heavyweight divsion. However, I do not necessarily think this is a bad thing. It will set up a host of rematches in the division. If Jon Jones could beat Rashad Evans, Alexander Gustafsson, Glover Texeira, Daniel Cormier, and Anthony Johnson again he would truly cement his legacy. Each opponent would have a chance to review their game plan and make improvements.
As far as new talent to challenge for the Light Heavyweight Title, I personally do not see any currently. Ovince St. Preux has so many deficiencies, he isn't ready, neither is Patrick Cummins nor Rafael Cavalcante. Then there's Phil Davis, and regardless of what people think of Davis or what he thinks of himself, he isn't ready to face Jones either.
[Jon Jones art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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