Under the Microscope: Analyzing Light Heavyweight Greats

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Jon Jones

* Light Heavyweight Record: 15-1
* Opponent Winning Percentage: .780
* Longest Winning Streak: 12
* Record in Major Light Heavyweight Title Fights: 9-0
* Finish Percentage: 60
* Finished Percentage: N/A
* Notable Victories: Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Alexander Gustafsson, Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans, Ryan Bader, Lyoto Machida, Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Rua
* Career Accomplishments: UFC light heavyweight champion, with eight successful title defenses; most title defenses in light heavyweight division history; youngest UFC champion in history; seven-time UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus winner; longest winning streak in light heavyweight division history; tied for most wins in light heavyweight division history; most submission wins in light heavyweight division history

CASE FOR: “Bones” has been the recipient of tremendous praise since he first came on the scene, and while some claim it was premature, the numbers say otherwise. Aside from becoming the youngest-ever UFC champion, as well as adding more title defenses than anyone in division history, he has done so against the statistically toughest competition, offing five former UFC champions en route to a more-or-less undefeated reign. His lone blemish, a disqualification loss for icing his domination of Matt Hamill with illegal elbows, barely registers on the macro-scale of his career. It is no doubt corny to say that the sky is the limit for the 27-year-old New York native, but at this point, it seems like clichés are all that are left to describe the man who will likely go down as the greatest fighter of all-time in any division. Being the 205-pound G.O.A.T. is basically a wrap.

CASE AGAINST: Not so fast. While it is true that Jones boasts an impressive resume at the moment, his youth has a flipside: There is plenty of time for someone else to catch up, or for Jones to self-destruct, which seems much more likely at this point. The uncertainty surrounding Jones is multi-faceted, his high-profile mistakes affecting his immediate future with his training camp, the UFC and, of course, his ability to sustain his current level of performance. It is not impossible, or even difficult, to foresee Jones imploding due to outside decisions and mistakes. Even on performance alone, Jones is impressive but not invincible. If history proves anything, it is that everyone is unbeatable until someone solves the riddle. Jones was nothing short of a stone-cold killer when he arrived on the biggest stage, but since winning the title, he has looked progressively less dominant, especially in his last three outings against Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira and Alexander Gustafsson. Add to that the fact that many believe he was already dethroned by Gustafsson, and there is ample shade to throw at his G.O.A.T. claims. Besting aging champions is fine and all, but until he proves himself convincingly against the new breed of fighters coming up, it is still too early to dub this millennial as the Greatest of All-Time.

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