5 reasons why Jon Jones will succeed at heavyweight
Fight fans have been awaiting Jon Jones' heavyweight debut since 2020 when the former UFC light heavyweight champion took a sabbatical from his previous division to move up a weight class and challenge for the greatest prize in all of MMA: the UFC heavyweight championship.
Alas, it has been 2 years with no appearance from 'Bones' inside the octagon. Observers fear that Jones' absence might extend to 3 years as the former champion continuously puts off his debut to further grow into his new heavyweight frame. Despite the delays, Jon Jones is as well-suited as any fighter has ever been to conquer the division above him.
At heavyweight, 'Bones' will not struggle as many predict he will. Instead, he will likely find a shocking degree of success for five reasons that this list will now explore.
#5. Jon Jones' frame
Jon Jones' physical stature is a genetic lottery. The MMA great stands at 6 feet 4 inches in height while boasting what remains the longest reach in UFC history with a wingspan of 84.5 inches. Thus, not only will Jones not experience a reach disadvantage against anyone, but he will enjoy a reach advantage over every single opponent he might potentially face in his new weight class.
After the fight was over, Jon Jones challenged Brock Lesnar.
While Lesnar would have the weight advantage, Jones would have a longer reach https://t.co/G9GHjRuJIQ
Furthermore, Jones' thinner but wider skeletal frame means the percentage of muscle he can add to his bones is higher than what someone with a thicker skeletal frame might be able to do. As a result, 'Bones' will be a shockingly strong heavyweight by the time he steps inside the octagon, with even former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier once describing how stunned he was to discover just how strong Jones was when they fought.