Jon Jones is the UFC’s greatest ever fighter. The light-heavyweight champion’s worst enemy is himself but he’s even managed to put that right in recent times. After a recent close decision victory over Dominick Reyes, the big question is who is next for the 205lb king?
We’ve seen him clear out multiple generations of fighters. Shogun Rua, Lyoto Machida, Chael Sonnen, and Daniel Cormier have all lost to him in their prime. However, he has shown recent signs of vulnerability. Is this a lack of motivation or are Jones’s 28 professional fights catching up with him?
With this in mind let’s take a look at his most likely next opponent. Don’t forget, this is the UFC. Just because he should fight somebody doesn’t mean he will. Who do you think he should take on next?
Dominick Reyes
The Destroyer has the best claim to a fight because many people think he actually beat Jones in his last fight. That was his first ever five-round fight so it would be fascinating to see how he prepares for a rematch and if he can carry that pace to another round.
Unfortunately for Reyes, it’s very unlikely it’s going to happen. At least not straight away. The UFC doesn’t like giving immediate rematches unless your name is Conor McGregor. In hindsight, he should have kicked up more of a fuss about the judges’ decision.
Jan Blachowicz
Poland’s Blachowicz is probably Jones’s most likely next opponent and equally his least exciting. After brutally knocking out Corey Anderson he went straight over and called out the champion. ‘Bones’ accepted the challenge so now it’s in the UFC’s hands.
The problem with this one is that the UFC definitely wouldn’t want Blachowicz as their light-heavyweight champion. The 36-year-old isn’t exactly the most marketable figure. Jones would be a massive favorite but who knows? Everybody has their time.
Stipe Miocic
Thanks to Conor McGregor and Henry Cejudo the UFC is less about making champ-champ fights these days. But with Jones, they would definitely be willing to make an exception. With a number of high-profile heavyweights expected to retire in the coming two years, who better than Jones to take over?
He would probably be a favorite against Miocic who is bigger but less technical. It would be fascinating to see how Jones handles the power of a real heavyweight. Meanwhile, the chance to win a second title would add gloss to a magnificent legacy. It would also bring much-needed luster to the biggest division of them all.
Another Heavyweight
If Miocic and Cormier finally agree to their trilogy fight then Jones could take another heavyweight fight regardless. He has been very active at 205lbs so it wouldn’t be unacceptable to test the waters up a weight class. Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes would both fancy their chances against the light-heavyweight GOAT.
However, the UFC only wants to use him in title fights and don’t want to damage his star-power by getting him knocked out by another heavyweight. It’s going to be Blachowicz.
