What To Do With Jon Jones: Five Options for the UFC

Added on Sep 08, 2010 by Bill Jackson in

UFC & MMA

It’s been a long time since a fighter came up with as much hype as Jon Jones is currently experiencing. Maybe not since the early days of Vitor Belfort making his way into the octagon has a young fighter appeared so… otherworldly. Now that Jones has steamrolled through a series of talented middle-of-the-pack light heavyweight contender/journeymen, what is next? Here are five possible options for the UFC.

5. Tim Boetsch

This would be more of another step sideways than a step forward, but Boetsch is a very tough and talented striker that would show Jones something he might not have experienced yet. Most feel Jones needs to move up in competition, but if the UFC wants to continue to take their time and not take any risks with the blue-chipper, Boetsch would make a nice UFN main event. Boetsch is currently on a 4-fight win-streak and there is a rumor floating that he may already be facing Phil Davis at UFC 123.

4. Loser of Machida/ Jackson

In the main event of UFC 123, former champs Lyoto Machida and Quinton Jackson will meet in a bout to determine who still has a shot at getting their title back. While the winner should certainly move forward to a big fight, maybe the next shot at Shogun, the loser would still be a big name and a step-up in competition for Jon Jones. Both fights would be dangerous for Jones, and both would keep the loser as a main event option. I would love to see what Jones could do to either of these guys.

3. Rich Franklin

Franklin was basically forced to move up in weight since he was no longer relevant at middleweight after being knocked out by Anderson Silva on two occasions. After a series of catchweight fights at 195 pounds, Franklin met former champ Chuck Liddell in the main event of UFC 115 at light heavyweight. After losing most of the first round, Franklin caught Chuck with a straight left and dropped his unconscious body like a sack of potatoes. It was a huge win for Franklin and keeps him as an option for one half of a big fight. Though most would give Franklin little chance against Jones at this point, it would be a step-up and also a marquee name. If Jones could handle Franklin as easy as Silva did, then we would be pretty sure he is ready for the top guys.

2. Forrest Griffin

Though Forrest has stated he would be willing to fight Jones if the UFC asked him to, he didn’t sound too excited about the option, citing his long layoff and recent surgery. Even without those disadvantages, Forrest would have a very hard time with Jones. The speed is not comparable between the two and Forrest seems to be on the decline of his career. Still, Forrest is a former champ and would be the biggest win of Jones career if he could manage to get past him.

1. Thiago Silva

Though reports began to surface today that a match between Thiago Silva and Brandon Vera may be in the works for UFC 125, I would rather see Silva welcome Jones into top ten competition. Silva has proven his toughness and in most light heavyweight rankings is ranked No. 10. It would be a steady rise in class for Jones and Silva would definitely show him something his prior opponents have not. Silva has power on the feet, a very extensive ground game, and would fit into the current pace the UFC has been bringing Jones along in.