UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones said that he'd like a heavyweight fight if he wins his next two at 205 pounds. But the UFC brass had other ideas.
Jan 31, 2012 - UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is openly talking about a move up to heavyweight, but before he can do that he's going to have to convince his bosses, who aren't enthusiastic about the idea.
Jones revealed on The MMA Hour that he has already told UFC President Dana White and UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta that he would like to move up to heavyweight if he beats the top two light heavyweight contenders, Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson. But Jones said the UFC has other ideas.
"I actually asked Dana and Lorenzo, could I take a fight for the fans at the end of 2012," Jones said. "I figured beating Henderson and Rashad, there would be a period where we'd figure out who I'm going to fight next, and during that period, at the end of 2012, I asked to fight a heavyweight -- a Top 10 heavyweight."
Jones, however, said the UFC doesn't like that idea.
"Dana and Lorenzo didn't think that was the best for me to do right now," Jones said. "They wanted me to continue at the light heavyweight division. ... They said they didn't want that for me."
It's not surprising that the UFC told Jones to stay focused on his own weight class: He's still got business to attend to at 205 pounds, and the UFC has only had champions move up in weight on a handful of occasions.
Eventually, however, moving up to heavyweight may be the right move for Jones. He can still make 205 pounds comfortably, but as he moves into his mid- to late-20s, that might become more difficult. And that's when the UFC might be ready for its light heavyweight champion to make a permanent move and contend for the heavyweight title.
9 comments
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Did you guys completly change the comment system in the 4 hours since i was last on haha!
by Marko801 on Feb 1, 2012 12:56 AM EST reply actions
Uggghhh
The only reason I came to this site was for the smooth comment system.
Oh well, if we can put up gifs, I guess I’ll continue posting here. Otherwise, I may as well make bloodyelbow my regular site for posting comments if they’re both going to slow my computer down to a crawl.
by supermario305 on Feb 1, 2012 8:29 AM EST reply actions
Awesome. Hope it doesn't slow my comp down much...although it already looks like it will... :(
by supermario305 on Feb 1, 2012 8:33 AM EST reply actions
I think Jones would have problems at heavy weight. The huge reach advantage he enjoys at light heavy would certainly be cut down. I can’t picture him fighting a guy like overeem or JDS and doing what he does to guys at LHW. I do think he could perform at a top ten level, just don’t see him as a champion. My .02 cents.
by Bigbore450 on Feb 1, 2012 1:15 PM EST reply actions
I think the lack of a 230 lb cruiserweight class is a big issue. For any other weight class it is no big deal to move one notch up or down, depending on whether you are one of the bigger or smaller guys in the class, but the 60lb jump from LHW to HW is ridiculous. A 230 lb class just makes sense. I also wouldn’t mind an unlimited SHW class for over 265 lbs, but that’s impracticle as all the guys who be any good are being paid much more as linemen in the NFL.
by zadavat on Feb 1, 2012 1:38 PM EST reply actions
While a 230lbs division is a decent idea in principle
There aren’t nearly enough high level MMA athletes above 205 to justify creating another division.
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by wonderfulspam on Feb 1, 2012 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
Oh – and this new format for the web site sucks. Many links are broken, and the new comment section isn’t quite as good as the old one.
by zadavat on Feb 1, 2012 1:38 PM EST reply actions
I agree I really like the thumbs up/down option imo these changes hurt the site
by mullet2.0 on Feb 1, 2012 7:22 PM EST reply actions
Copying His Idol
Jon Jones is trying his best to impersonate his idol Anderson Silva by asking to move up a weight like Silva did when he fought twice at light heavyweight. The UFC is right for saying no and bringing Jones up slowly. Jones needs to clean out his division before thinking about moving up in weight.
Check out the article about Jones here http://www.ufcfightblogger.com/news/jon-jones-wanted-heavyweight-fight/
by UFCfightblogger on Feb 2, 2012 12:22 AM EST reply actions
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