Thinking about Jones

What really impressed me about the Jon Jones fight was Jones' instincts. Yes, he's an incredible athlete with an amazing wingspan, but none of that means shit without the composure to utilize it. When he came out in that crawl–that spider-monkey-attack, fluid and athletic, not scared, never in danger, he started the process of throwing Rampage completely off his game and "mesmerizing" him, as Rampage later admitted. Jones would later say when pressed that he had a great outside single and thought maybe he could get it from there, but still….

That instinct was flawless. It was exactly the right thing to do. And that, at 24 years of age, is what really impresses about Jones. Not just the tools, but the 'composture,' as old boxing trainers sometimes say. His confidence and composure felt so complete…has the guy ever lost a round, or half a round?

Maybe, maybe Machida can somehow muster up enough elusiveness, clever striking, and speed to challenge Jones, but I don't see anyone else doing it. And I see him going to heavyweight in 2 years and taking that belt, too.