Recently suspended and former top pound per pound UFC fighter Jon Jones has revealed his plans for the future in his interview with Joe Rogan. One of his plans include challenging the UFC Heavyweight Title but in certain conditions.
In the interview, Jon Jones has said that he is open for the heavyweight title despite the danger but is waiting for the right opponent. "You realize what you're asking me to do? These guys are very skills and they can weigh 60lbs more than me? That's very dangerous," Jones said when asked about people wanting him to fight at heavyweight" "I do want to challenge for the heavyweight title but I'm waiting for the perfect opponent" Jon Jones said.
Jon Jones currently competes at the Light Heavyweight Division for the UFC. But most agree that Jon Jones is big for the division. He usually has a size advantage on his opponents in height and reach. Jon Jones also cuts a lot of weight to compete at the division. Jon Jones' normal walking weight should be around the Heavyweight weight range. But by moving up to Heavyweight division Jon Jones will be in a significant size disadvantage against any heavyweight.
Nonetheless, Jon Jones is confident in his abilities against saying that he has beaten up a lot of heavyweights in practice. He said that he has manhandled and submitted a lot of heavyweights in the gym. But for him to fight for the heavyweight title, Jon Jones is waiting for the right stylistic match up. In other words, Jon Jones is waiting for the opponent in which he has the best chance of winning.
Looking at Jon Jones' style, his only discernable weakness is wrestling. Jon Jones' greatest strength is his ability to keep his opponents at bay with his long reach and damage them from afar. By taking Jon Jones down to the mat, his reach advantage would be negated. A heavyweight who is primarily a striker with no wrestling background would be Jon Jones' perfect opponent.
Of the top 5 Heavyweights, Junior Dos Santos would be the ideal opponent for Jon Jones should Junior win the title. Junior hasn't been the same since his brutal matches with Cain Velasquez and has clearly lost a step. He is a striker and also doesn't pose a threat of a takedown which would benefit Jon Jones. Junior has a 7-inch reach disadvantage against Jones and doesn't throw a lot of kicks that could potentially hit Jon Jones. On the other hand, Jon Jones should avoid Cain Velazquez and his devastating ground and pound.
Regardless, it would be a while for Jon Jones to fight for the Heavyweight crown. He still has to serve his suspension and fight for the Light Heavyweight Title he never lost. But if Junior Dos Santos miraculously wins the Heavyweight Crown, expect Jon Jones to be waiting in line.
