UFC on Versus: Jon Jones
Jon "Bones" Jones to face Brandon Vera at UFC on Versus on March 21
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Before the highly anticipated March 27th “UFC 111 St. Pierre vs. Hardy” event, the organization attempts to break new ground with the UFC on Versus taking place March 21st at the 1ST BANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado.
At the top of that March 21st card will be two of the light-heavyweight division’s most dangerous fighters. Brandon “The Truth” Vera takes on Jon “Bones” Jones, a dynamic up-and-comer bursting at the seams of super-stardom.
For Jones, this is a bout that provides him the chance to break-out of prospect status and into a category that of a legitimate contender. If “Bones” can complete that task, there is little doubt as to where he will fall in the division’s hierarchy. He will fall into the top tier of light-heavyweights, one that includes such fighters as Rashad Evans, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and Forrest Griffin.
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Over the course of his year-and-a-half long career, Jones has blown right through his competition. At UFC 87 in August 2008, he put his unique striking on display for the first time when he earned a unanimous decision victory over fellow stand-up specialist Andre Gusmao.
Five months later, Jones picked up his second unanimous decision victory in a row when he dominated veteran Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94. He again, showed his awkward striking techniques throughout the three-round battle picking Bonnar apart along the way. He mixed in takedowns to keep the TUF 1 pioneer honest and received the nod from all three judges when the scores were posted.
He waited seven months to fight again, this time at the historic UFC 100, recording his first stoppage inside the octagon by working over the former heavyweight, “Irish” Jake O’Brien. He was patient in getting the fight to the ground where he transitioned to dominant position and finished the fight via guillotine choke.
At 3-0 in the UFC, Jones was quickly rising through the light-heavyweight division. In December 2009 at the TUF 10 Finale, he was matched up against another popular TUF star, Matt Hamill, who many believed would pose a serious threat to his undefeated record. Jones, again, was dominant with his quick feet and combinations as well as trademark takedowns, although it was for not when he used some illegal downward elbows that disqualified him and handed him his first career loss.
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Jones didn’t argue, and instead was emotionless throughout most of the post-fight activities. Considering how he reacted to the decision, one can assume that he will not be rattled in this, his first bout since that confusing loss. The fact is, he accepted it and moved on showing class the entire time. Based on his mature actions in and out of the octagon, his progression continues to climb up the 205-pound division.
Maybe the most interesting part of this main event bout is the comparisons that many are talking about between both headliners. Both have started their respective careers on a red-hot winning streak, and both have been tabbed as the next big thing within their divisions, making this fight that much more intriguing. This, however, is the spot on the career path that Jones wants to take the opposite direction. The direction that continues to move forward, and a victory over Vera will most definitely do just that.
By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer