UFC Light-Heavyweight Champ Jon Jones
In November 2010, Jon Jones was a mere cub in the lion's den of the light heavyweight division. The nervous smile and humility he displayed under the bright lights of media scrutiny belied his true talent.
He stealthily avoided requests—which bordered on demands—that he acknowledge his future greatness. Oh, there was a little bit of swagger, but it came inside the Octagon where he was outclassing more experienced opponents.
What a difference a year makes.
KING OF THE JUNGLE
The former cub is now the undisputed king of the jungle. There’s an audible difference in his voice. A lot more confidence when he speaks. The swagger he has in the cage is shows outside. To paraphrase Kanye West, Jones’ swagger is “on a hundred, thousand, trillion.” And who could blame him?
If there’s another fighter who had a better year than Jonny “Bones” Jones, he doesn’t inhabit earth. After beating a top contender and two champions, choosing any other fighter for Fighter of the Year would be nothing short of criminal. If Jones has his way, this is just the beginning.
“I’m trying to surpass people’s expectations,” he says. “I’m trying to finish every fight. That’s tough to do when you’re fighting the toughest guys in the world. The expectations push me to go beyond.”
EDITOR’S NOTE; The full story is in the March issue, which is available now.
The Year In Review
February 5
With a submission victory over Ryan Bader at UFC 126, Jon Jones improved his record to 12-1.
March 19
At UFC 128, Jones won the light-heavyweight title with a TKO over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
September 24
Defended his title with a submission victory over Quinton Jackson at UFC 135.
December 10
Jones defended his title with a victory over Lyoto Machida.
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