| 02 August 2010
Another Jon 'Bones' Jones fight, another dominant performance. In needing little over a minute to run over respected veteran Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC Live: Jones vs Matyushenko, the 23-year-old has proven once again that he isn't just hype - he's the real deal. So what's next for young Jones, or, more precisely, WHO'S next. Luckily, the 205lb division offers plenty of intriguing matchups for Jones and plenty of opportunities for him to continue to test his ever-improving skills. So, assuming that the UFC doesn't want him to take too much time off before his next fight (and that he doesn't move up to heavyweight to fight James Toney - yuck - like he hinted at), here are some of the top candidates to become Jones' next victim.
The Antonio Rogerio Nogueira-Ryan Bader Winner
Little Nog and former The Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Bader are set to square off at UFC 119 in September, and the winner of that fight could be a great choice for Jones to go up against next. If the winner comes out of this match relatively unscathed, they could conceivably go up against Bones at the big year-end show the UFC likes to put on every year. This potential matchup makes the most sense, however, if Nogueira beats Bader, as the UFC might be unwilling to sacrifice one of their up-and-coming prospects (Bader) for the sake of another one (Jones).
Randy Couture
Now this one is really intriguing, and the timing of it should work out well as Randy Couture is fighting later this week. Assuming The Natural takes care of James Toney (and he better), matching him up next against Jon Jones would be a fabulous matchup, on various levels. The 47-year-old Couture has limited time left in the sport (we assume, but with him who really knows) and the UFC would love to have him make another push towards a title shot. A fight - and win - over Jones would solidify Couture as a legitimate threat to the title. At the same time, if Jones could beat Couture (a man who has been fighting for almost as long as Jones has been alive) that would be the biggest win of his career to date and allow him to continue his rise to the top of the weight class.
Forrest Griffin
This one makes a lot of sense also, assuming Forrest Griffin can come back from his shoulder injury fairly soon. Not only is Griffin a former champion, he is also still considered a top-five performer in the weight class. But, most importantly for the fans, this would be an explosive match, with both guys not holding back and bringing it. Could be a strong contender for Fight of the Year.
Rich Franklin
This scenario is very similar to the Forrest Griffin one, with Rich Franklin first having to come back from an injury (in this case a broken arm courtesy of Chuck Liddell). Also, similar to Griffin, a Jones-Franklin fight could have Fight of the Year potential, with both guys being extremely dangerous, active and tough. Plus, like Griffin, Franklin is a former champion and respected veteran.
So what matchup do you like best? Did we forget someone who you'd prefer to see Jon Jones go up against next? Let us know in the comments below.
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