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Are the young guns in UFC going to upset the experienced veterans of UFC? A big statement – yes, but there is some method to this madness. The equation is quite simple really – Athleticism + Unpredictability = Invincibility.
Now if we know anything about this sport we know that at some stage everyone loses, all fighters’ games are unlocked somewhere along the line as will happen to Jon Jones – but not anytime soon.
What he brings physically no one will match for sometime – the longest reach in the UFC is evidence of that – but a physical equivalent will rise and bring his own brand of unpredictability, which even a master strategist like Jones’ coach Greg Jackson will be unable to decipher.
Is there anyone currently in the UFC who could defeat Jones at Light Heavyweight?
Outside of a lucky punch – Anderson Silva is the only one who could mount a real challenge due to his equally mysterious martial artistry but to be fair the wrestling skills and size of Jon Jones may prove the difference in that fight.
If his former training partner Rashad Evans (who knows his game better than anyone), can’t defeat him no one stands a chance.
Have the other top light heavies such as Rampage Jackson, Forrest Griffin, Thiago Silva and Lyoto Machida evolved enough to face a fighter who continues to evolve?
To be honest I believe the man who stands the best chance against Bones down the line at some stage is Phil Davis. “Mr Wonderful” is evolving at an equal rate which brings unpredictability. When Davis fights Antonia Rogerio Noguiera this weekend it will give you another example of what I’m talking about.
Now my bold (or not so bold prediction depending where you sit), will take time to bear fruit. Davis will need to keep evolving and knock over some old bulls along the way, but that is the nature of this sport.
Evolution has been the key to the UFC’s success inside and outside of the octagon – and that also remains the key with its fighters.
That’s why Georges St Pierre is so dominant, Anderson Silva too and throw Cain Velasquez in that mix.
Every fight they show something different, bring a new component to their game for their opponents to think about on the fly and that is why Jon Jones may well become the longest reigning Light Heavyweight champion in UFC history.
Phil Davis said in a recent interview “In wrestling the new guys are the most dangerous, in jiu-jitsu it’s the same. The white belts are the most dangerous because they don’t do things like they are supposed to do; you don’t know what they are going to do.”
That is what makes “Generation Next” so dangerous for the veterans in the top echelon of all the weight divisions. More athletic guys are going to be entering the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and single style fighters will not stand a chance.
Now a guy like Jones is world champion – “Bones” Clones will pop up the world over. Just as big, just as strong and just as unpredictable – Old Bulls you’ve been warned.
Let’s get ready to rumble! Pick a fighter and place your bets with PlayUp for great odds. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.