Are we seeing the next MMA superstar?
Jon "Bones" Jones is a monster in the ring. He fought a smart fight against Brandon Vera. You don't stand up and fight a Muay Thai fighter -- you take him down, ground and pound him.
Who do you think had the hardest hit in the fight -- Vera's illegal kick to Jones' face or Jones' elbow to Vera's face?
Looking down the road to Jones' next opponent, should it be Quinton Jackson if he wins against Rashad Evans? Or should he fight the winner of the Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Rua? Or how about Thiago Silva?
I didn't include Rashad Evans or Keith Jardine, as possible opponents, because they are stablemates of Jones and he follows the Greg Jackson team policy. Jones told ProFighting-Fans.com, "We have a policy at Jackson’s. The number one policy is friends come before business. Friendship is way more valuable than money. It’s all about morals over business." So, at this time we leave Evans and Jardine out of the picture.
Some may say it's too early for him to fight for a belt. Remember, Brock Lesnar fought Randy Couture for the belt after only three fights. No one brings up his record anymore.
Who do you think his next opponent should be?
What style would it take to beat Jon Jones?
Kevin Richardson has been a fan of mixed martial arts competition ever since UFC 3, when 600-pound sumo wrestler Emmanuel Yarborough was beaten by Keith Hackney. Kevin will cover the world of MMA — in Baltimore, nationally and internationally. He plans to take readers into the locker rooms and MMA schools, where they'll hear from local fighters and trainers. If you have a news tip or suggestions for the blog, please 
Comments
It wouldn't really matter to me. I just want him to stay active and keep getting better. I'd rather see him fight a couple more mid-level guys before moving up again in competion. Then, have him fight two contenders. If he wins all four of those fights, then give him a title shot sometime next year. It wouldn't matter if he lost neither though. Because ether way with a few more years experience, Bones will be the next GSP!
David, I agree he is the next GSP.
Kevin R.
Posted by: David | March 23, 2010 12:03 AM
I don't think he's deserving of or ready for a title shot at this point, but he is ready for a top level fighter. I think he should fight Rampage (if he loses), the loser of the title fight, Thiago Silva, or Little Nog. If they really want to build up his reputation, they could give him Forrest Griffin.
Posted by: Nick | March 23, 2010 8:14 AM
I think he could handle a title shot but should fight one of the top contenders first.
Nick nailed it.
Tough to know what matchup might give him the most difficulty since he's yet to show any weakness.
Posted by: Corey | March 23, 2010 10:26 AM
Agree with Nick and Cory. I think Thiago Silva ends up being the best option. Most of the other top light heavyweights are tied up in upcoming fights, Griggin/Nog at UFC 114. Rich Franklin prolly needs something to do as well. He would be a pretty good gatekeeper in the mean time if he isn't at middleweight.
Posted by: mclean. | March 23, 2010 2:47 PM