I think Jones is way more dangerous on his feet than that. Just watch that spinning back elbow he floored Bonner with again and keep in mind that it clearly wasn't a flailing strike and that fight took place over two years ago. I think he will give Shogun more than he can handle quickly and violently.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (MMA) Thread
- Thread starter raychild
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Jones may very well win, but I doubt seriously he walks through Shogun. This is going to be Jones first real test and we'll see where he is really at. That spinning elbow is not going to work against Shogun. Shogun has never had anyone "violently destroy" him and I don't think it's going to happen now either. Jones looks like his head has gotten a bit big and it seems he considers himself the champ already. Jones is a super nice guy and I had the pleasure of meeting him at the UFC Expo, but I think Shogun is going to teach him a valuable lesson. Shogun by decision.
Damn, I'm gonna have to stay up to 11am on sunday to watch this shit, after waking up at 2am to watch the NCAAs.
I don't think this goes to a decision. Outside of the Lyoto-Rua fight, Jones and Rua have had 11 fights combined without a decision. While I'm hoping for a submission/sub-defense fest, I think Jones's size and reach give Rua trouble and Jones gets it done G&P
edit - without a DECISION, not without a stoppage
I don't think this goes to a decision. Outside of the Lyoto-Rua fight, Jones and Rua have had 11 fights combined without a decision. While I'm hoping for a submission/sub-defense fest, I think Jones's size and reach give Rua trouble and Jones gets it done G&P
edit - without a DECISION, not without a stoppage
Agreed...The more I look at this match up the more I'm thinking Sho-gun is too far on his game "right now" to be stopped.
Jones is way in over his head right now. Who has he beat? The talent level between his past opponents and Shogun is astronomical. Shogun is world class. I was fucking shocked to find out that Jones has been doing MMA for just 3 years - straight from his mouth during the Countdown shows. 3 years in and you are going to beat a Shogun? I don't know man.
Either could win, but that's an awful big statement to make about a guy who is currently the 2-1 favorite to win the match. You'll look great if Rua wins quickly, but it sure seems that this thread is underselling how impressive Jones has been.
Feels more like Shogun's ability is getting lost in all the Jones hype. There is no doubt Jones has been impressive and will win the belt someday, but I do know that he is green and Shogun has been there before. I'm not liking all the talking Jones has been doing either. We shall see, but my gut says Shogun defends.
I've also noticed that Jones' hype (much deserved) has totally gone to his head. He constantly referring to himself in the third person now too. Thats why I said that I don't think a loos would be the end of the world for him. He used to be very humble but, he's changing quickly. Sog-un is the best man to humble him right now.
Also, Rashad Evans just quit training for Greg Jackson. I wouldn't be suprised if theres also a little jeolousy on Evans' part from all the Jones hype.
I hope Shogun dismantles Jones tonight.
As Snowplow mentioned up thread, Jones is a total prick.
As Snowplow mentioned up thread, Jones is a total prick.
My God.
Jones just made Shogun look like an amateur.
I didn't expect him to make it look so easy.
Jones just made Shogun look like an amateur.
I didn't expect him to make it look so easy.
Man.
If Fedor's last fight wasn't the ultimate death rattle of Pride... Cro Cop and Shogun tonight threw dirt on the coffin.
Fuck.
If Fedor's last fight wasn't the ultimate death rattle of Pride... Cro Cop and Shogun tonight threw dirt on the coffin.
Fuck.
He can match his speed and strength. The only thing I would be worried about is Rashad's inability to take a well placed punch. Dude is jelly legged in almost all of his fights.
How will Rashad even get close enough to Jones to take him down? The guy looks like a black Dahlsim.
Good call on this btw. Jones was too much for him anywhere. The ground, the clinch, whatever. It hurt to see Shogun crushed, but Jones is a monster and that belt and victory are well deserved.
It's just everything. Size, speed, reach, strength, he is unorthodox, well coached and intelligent. Hes a problem.
Don't forget that Jones found out he was in this fight six weeks ago, which is an eyeblink in terms of preparation and training. Dude is crazy good. It was smart of him to get Rua on his back, but there was the potential for an epic standup war and we didn't get it. Ah well.
Random aside: I'm not going to criticize the UFC for instituting weight classes, because it legitimized the sport, but I miss the good old days because a Jones/Anderson Silva match would quite simply make hmy head explode.
Random aside: I'm not going to criticize the UFC for instituting weight classes, because it legitimized the sport, but I miss the good old days because a Jones/Anderson Silva match would quite simply make hmy head explode.
Hey thanks. I wasn't trying to sound like a smart ass so I hope it didn't come off that way. I have been a Bonner fan since TUF1 and for Jones to basically toy with him and cause that much trouble opened my eyes. People may crap on Bonner but he's never been stopped and it looked like Jones could have ended that fight at will.
Then Jones obliterated Matt Hamil, who will never be confused for a contender but is also pretty durable, in what seemed like a quantum leap forward in skill (downward elbows aside). After he completely walked through Brandon Vera, I was a total believer. I know Shogun was a world beater in Pride, but I watched him get systematicly dominated by Forrest. That made me think that Jones, who manhandled Bader, would be able to fight Rua where ever he wanted to.
As far as future goes:
I would love to see Jones fight Loyoto. I think Machida's awkwardness and elusiveness would make that an interesting fight. Jones would crush Evans. For some reason KOing Salmon and Liddell made Rashad think he can strike with people. All that is going to lead to with Jones is 15 minutes of listening to his chick screaming "get up Rashad!" as they try to revive him after the fight. I love the way Thiago Silva brings it, but he won't be able to brawl with Jones. I don't think anyone knows if we will ever see the real Rampage again so he's not a factor. And I don't think Franklin, Henderson or Griffin have much of a chance with him either.
To beat a freak like Jones, I think you're going to need to be either a Damien Maia type and catch him in something slick from the guard or hit a flash KO.
I think that Jones' biggest opponent will be himself. Complacency and cockiness are the only things separating him from a lengthy title reign for the foreseeable future.
If he handles Rashad then you have to choose between Rampage, Hamill, and Lil' Nog. If Rampage wins he gets the shot. That's an easy fight to sell. Hamill and Lil' Nog have to win in convincing fashion to even be considered, in my opinion.
Personally, I hope Phil Davis absoutley wrecks Lil' Nog and proves himself. That'll throw him into the mix. And that fight practically sells itself. Two young, athletic dudes with freakish bodies throwing down for the strap. Exciting times for MMA.
Personally, I hope Phil Davis absoutley wrecks Lil' Nog and proves himself. That'll throw him into the mix. And that fight practically sells itself. Two young, athletic dudes with freakish bodies throwing down for the strap. Exciting times for MMA.
Good call and seconded. That wouyld be a great fight although Jones is steps ahead of Mr. Wonderful Davis at the moment.(imo)
I can't wait to see if GSP can out wrestle Shields. GSP is being very smart by not getting drawn into the whole Anderson Silva talk. This fight may be his biggest challenge.
Without a doubt GSP will be able to out wrestle him. The advantage Shields has on the ground over GSP is his "American Jiu Jitsu" which is just really basic Gracie BJJ infused with dominate wrestling positions. If it goes to the ground, I still have GSP with the edge because Shields doesn't really attack jiujitsu off his back, he isn't that kind of a jj player.
And much like the GSP/Kosh fight it'll probably stay standing where GSP can just pick up apart Shields who has nothing for GSP in the stand up game.
And much like the GSP/Kosh fight it'll probably stay standing where GSP can just pick up apart Shields who has nothing for GSP in the stand up game.
Rumble made weight and Dan Hardy came out wearing a Charlie Sheen "WINNING" t-shirt. I really hope Hardy can win this one so he can stay relevant in the 70 division. And Davis' shoulder to waist ratio is still as freaky as ever.
Lot of great fights on this free card by the way.
Lot of great fights on this free card by the way.
He's also coming back from a long knee injury and, theres either going to be rust or he's coing to be crazy good now that he's healthy. I'm going with the former.
Well, if he has the career of koscheck god bless him. I'm willing to wait and see. He was constantly working to pass guard and kept up a nice pace, he just looks raw. Lots of talent. While the previews showed some heated moments, this season looks like it should be pretty muted.
We should remember the name Lorenz Larkin (8-0). He beat Scott Lighty (6-1) last night on Strikeforce's challenger series. Larkin has an excellent and entertaining stand up.
Justin Wilcox looks like a mini Brock Lesnar.
Justin Wilcox looks like a mini Brock Lesnar.