What's next at 205
What’s next at 205?
Anyone who has listened to the podcast or knows me personally
definitely knows how big of a Jon Jones fan I am. As a fan I must admit that
his last performance against Thiago Santos was probably the worst of his
career. Now what can we attribute that to? Santos being that good? Jones having
an off night? MMA fans and even the commentators on the broadcast were scratching
their heads when Jon refused to use his obvious grappling advantage,
especially after Santos had injured his knee. Still though, he pulled out the
win, barely if anything. Looking at the current top 5 in at Light Heavyweight,
there aren’t any names that really jump off the page, but Jon has to fight
someone right? So, I’m about to dive into the top 5 at 205 lbs, maybe when I’m
finished me and you both will have a clearer idea of who should be the next
challenger for Jon’s strap.
When you’re done reading, make sure to check out 8 Sides
Podcast. A link to episode 4, the latest episode, will be at the bottom. As you
read this, remember that all records, stats and anything else of that kind are
as of 17/11/2019.
#1 – Daniel Cormier – 22-2 (1 NC)
Outside of Alex Gustafsson at UFC 165 no one has given Jones
the trouble that DC did in their two fights. DC moved down from Heavyweight to
205 to avoid fighting his friend Cain Valasquez and after a couple of wins in
his new division he was given a shot at the champ. Jon won an entertaining
fight by unanimous decision victory after taking over in the championship
rounds. Two and a half years later he stopped him brutally in the rematch, a
result that was overturned then Jon tested positive for PEDs several weeks
later. Anyway, my point is that we’ve seen this story play out twice, and as
good as DC is, he’s just not as good as Jon Jones. There’s no shame being Ronaldo
to a Messi. In September, Cormier confirmed that he’s looking to make his last
ever MMA fight a rematch with Heavyweight champ, Stipe Miocic, who knocked him out in August. Which means we
can pretty much close the book on these two all-time greats locking horns
again.
Verdict: Not the man who will challenge Jon next.
#2 – Thiago Santos – 21-7
Now if you ask me, the reason why their fight was so close
is that Jon just wasn’t motivated to prepare and execute hard enough against
someone he knows isn’t in his league. That’s what made the Cormier fights so
great, Jon knew that as good as he is, he would need to be at his best to beat
him. Santos isn’t in Jon’s league as a mixed martial artist and Jon knows that.
Having said all of that, Santos does deserve a rematch. Why? Because despite all that, the fight
was close. Jon looked bad, yes. Human for what, the second time ever? Right now, Santos is on the injury table for God knows how long. Who knows when he’ll
be back? In the meantime, he’ll have to watch as someone else fights for the
belt that a lot of people think he deserved to win at UFC 235.
Verdict: Deserves first dibs at a title shot once he is back
healthy, regardless of who is champion at the time.
#3 – Anthony Smith – 32-14
They fought in March. Every judge had it 48-44 to Jon. (50-44
really. Jon was deducted 2 points for an illegal strike) Smith landed 18 total
strikes across rounds 3, 4 and 5. I’m moving on.
Verdict: Shouldn’t get a title shot as long as Jon is the
champion.
#4 – Dominick Reyes – 12-0
Dom The Devastator Reyes has been one of the more interesting contenders at
light heavyweight recently. A very good athlete with a powerful left hand, he
also showed improved takedown defence in his latest fight, a KO win against the
pathetic Chris Weidman. Reyes is interesting as a potential opponent because it’s
fresh blood and Jon has already fought and beaten the three guys ranked ahead of
him. I personally don’t think that he
should be next in line for a shot because I feel he needs more wins against top
flight competition. I think he lost the fight against Volkan and Weidman is a
guy who was debuting in the division and 1-4 in his last 5 fights. (All 4 losses
coming by stoppage) Reyes has called out the 205 King following his last two
fights and going off Jon’s recent tweets this match up looks likely for the new
year. How do I think a fight would play out? Jon would use his distance to
control the striking exchanges, neutralize Reyes’ explosive left hand and engage
him in grappling whenever necessary. But there’s no money in hypotheticals, so
let’s just wait and see if it gets booked.
Verdict: I don’t think he should get the next shot, but I
won’t complain if he does.
#5 – Corey Anderson – 14-4
Glass-jaw Corey. As much as he makes me cringe, he is the
man who should fight Jon Jones next. He has four wins in a row, with two of
those coming against guys who were ranked in the top 5. He just fought
against Johnny Walker, a man that a lot of people said had a chance to beat Jon
because of his power and flashy striking. Corey needed just two minutes to shut
that hype train down, strengthening his case for title shot with a TKO win over
the Brazilian. He has power, solid grappling and thick gas tank. Aside from his
questionable chin he does have a set of fighting tools that might give Jon
reason to find the motivation to train and prepare hard like he did for Cormier
or Gustafsson in their rematch. ‘’Give me a title shot or release me.’’ He says.
Your move Dana.
Verdict: Give him his title shot. February/March 2020.
What do you guys think? Who should Jon Jones fight next? Let us know on twitter! @8SidesPodcast
If you liked what you just read, find us on twitter at
@8SidesPodcast. If you didn’t like what you just read, find us on twitter at @8SidesPodcast.
Link to episode 4 of the podcast is below.
Written by @AtlaslaMaquina on Twitter.
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