Selecting title contenders in mixed martial arts has become an extremely complex situation, and the UFC’s light heavyweight division is yet another example of how murky the process is now. Sitting on the throne is Jon Jones, who over the last few years has walked through opponent after opponent on the way to obtaining the title and nearly cleaning out the division. While one fresh challenge stands directly in front of him, what happens next is quite the conundrum.
The UFC has recently announced that two fights that are due to take place on the UFC on Fox 4 card will have major title implications. Using the term “in the mix,” Dana White stated that Brandon Vera, Mauricio Rua, Lyoto Machida, and Ryan Bader may all be one fight away from getting a shot at the 205 title. The problem with that is the fact that Jones has beaten all four of these fighters in a combined eight rounds of work in the Octagon. If Jones is capable of getting past a tough challenge in Dan Henderson, how would the UFC be able to sell any one of these individuals as a true contender?
Fans and media personalities alike have jumped on the announcement as an opportunity to denounce the credibility of each of these four individuals as viable opponents for the current champion. He’s dominated each one of them before, and what have any of these individuals done since then to deserve another shot so soon? But if you look at many of the sport’s relevant light heavyweight rankings, you’d see that Jones has beaten at least five of the names that you would see on those lists. By being such a convincing champion he’s made it extremely difficult for the UFC to find credible opponents for him to face.
Outside of that list the only true viable name on the UFC’s roster is Alexander Gustafsson. The 25 year old has done a fantastic job of rebounding from his only career loss, and has already been tagged as the next contender outside of Henderson. Outside of the UFC, the organization could perhaps push Gegard Mousasi or Rafael Cavalcante, who are a part of the Strikeforce organization. However, questions surround both of those fighters as well. Match makers should do themselves a favor and tap Chael Sonnen on the shoulder to convince him that a move up to 205 would be a great step for his career. If life is truly all about timing, then his timing couldn’t be better.
The UFC is in quite the predicament with a thinning roster of contenders in the light heavyweight division. The champion has done his job and disposed of the top contenders, and he has done so without leaving any questions. Now Joe Silva’s team has to scramble and find someone that not only poses a tough matchup to Jones, but has the storyline to sell the bout as well. Jon Jones is potentially their biggest cash cow but without fresh fields to graze on, the UFC won’t be able to milk their prized possession.
