Consensus explanations towards Jon Jones perceived decline can be categorised as follows: Post-USADA implementation(lack of PED use) Age - causing a natural decline. A completely new generation of MMA talent who arguably pose as better opposition. Consistent with these generalised explanations are that they all seem to direct their focus towards external factors outside of Jones’ control. However, what would seem to be mostly overlooked is ironically- given his once evolutionally style of fighting -Jones’ lack of evolution as a fighter, especially within offensive stand-up. Although this is only measured through observation and most likely subjectiveness, limited improvement or evolution is noticeable with a favour towards a plodding, static fighting pace dictated by a methodical approach (which I do personally admire and enjoy). This seeming to be the basis of his most glaring fundamentals, it’s also an approach that is producing consistently tentative displays that are arguably masquerading as an evolved game. Furthermore, a complete lack of his unprecedented, varied spinning attacks could be seen as a huge devolution; with a failure to implement feinting into his offensive set-ups as a noticeable absent when measuring against contemporary high-level martial art stand up. Perhaps this is a symptom of determinism (due to external factors) and the current fighter we see today is the the most sustainable given its climate. Ultimately, has Jones’ made any subtle beneficial changes that have progressed development?
no, just longevity. Also the last time you mentioned Jones you made it plural, but it isn't showing possession so it should'nt be.
I don’t see his opposition being significantly better than those he has fought in the past... I would even say most of his recent bouts were a step down from past opponents. That being said, Jones has been known to make the fight harder on himself and fight either down to his opponents level, or challenge them at their strengths (wrestling with Cormier, Striking with Teixeira)
Jones is in the hot seat because he's so dominant but he's also hated by many. Having success against him is so rare that if a fighter lands anything against him it gets blown out of proportion. Like teddy atlas said in boxing fighters get rounds for doing better than expected but not actually winning. People wanted reyes to win so his performance got blown out of reality when in fact Jones won pretty clearly
He didn’t evolve aspect of his striking because he didn’t have to, he was and is still winning. (Albeit by increasingly smaller margins) He has very little in the way of feints and rhythm and pretty much no power in his hands. In the past he got away with this due to reach and athleticism gap, but that gap is closing with newer opponents. He should train with a better boxing coach who can get him to implement feints.
Yap. He can still find corrupt judges to award him BS decisions. Even out of his prime he can do that. Amazing.
Weird PED exemptions aside, one thing that stands out about Jones is how much more competitive his fights are when he's in against someone with comparable size and range. It's not his fault he's kind of a physical freak at LHW, however it does speak to the advantages he has in controlling distance and leverage against most guys. When those are taken away, we get 5 round nail biters.
Jones is absolutely evolved from earlier in his career. His boxing looks better, pacing, footwork and the guy has through-the-roof fight IQ. Arguably some of the best of all time, and his defense is clearly among the best. The second he was getting hurt he would dive for a well executed take down, he would pressure Reyes to drain his cardio, which ended up winning him the 5th round. Reyes presented a problem for the same reason a young Gus did - they are actually Jon's size. He looks less spectacular against elite fighters his own size, but he still comes up with a W. Jon is a cheater and a pretty deplorable human, but he has one of the best overall skill sets we've ever seen in MMA.
Jones always looked more or less "declined" when fighting people his own size. What part of that is hard to understand?
When anyone does anything to Jones people are so shocked they give his opponents more points than they should because of how dominant he was. I'm okay with him getting the nod when there is such a bias before the fight starts.
