![]() The benefits of moving to heavyweight aren’t all related to winning fights. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was one of the first, and Michael Chiesa is a recent example of a fighter experiencing a rebirth after moving up in weight.Īt 32, Jones would still be a relatively young heavyweight with 6-8 years left to compete on a high level. We’re seeing more and more fighters moving up in weight and having success by eliminating the burden of cutting weight. Jones has 95 percent takedown defense in his UFC career, and he has 40 takedowns of his own.Īt heavyweight, Jones would probably have little-to-no weight cut, and at this point in his career, that might be exactly what the doctor ordered. While his legs are thinnish, he’s always looked sturdy against takedown attempts, and he’s a strong wrestler in his own right. At 6’4” with an 84” reach, Jones already possesses the frame to carry 235-240 pounds with relative ease.ĭon’t underestimate his strength. If Jones’ speed has declined a bit, chances are he’d still have quicker strikes than the opponents he’d face at heavyweight. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Zuffa LLC via Getty Images the Toyota Center on Februin Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 07: Jon Jones poses on the scale during the UFC 247 ceremonial weigh-in at. That’s why moving to heavyweight makes so much sense for him. Quite honestly, the clock is likely ticking on Jones’ reign at 205 pounds. When you mix all of that together, it was only a matter of time before someone at 135 pounds toppled Rousey. Meanwhile, it seemed difficult for Rousey to maintain the same level of intensity and motivation to continue to prepare, evolve and to turn away the next challenger. Matching up with her became every opponent’s Super Bowl. Ronda Rousey was so dominant in women’s MMA that she inspired a generation of ladies to prepare for her, and train specifically so that they could hopefully challenge and defeat her when given the chance. Lastly, there is what I like to call the Rousey Effect. In conjunction with the aforementioned factors, the gap between Jones and the top contenders at 205 pounds could be closing because Bones is 32 years old, and it’s time for him to show some decline. ![]() (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Getty Images Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on Februin Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) Dominick Reyes and Jon Jones in their UFC Light Heavyweight.
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