No offense to Stipe, but him vs. Jones is a garbage fight.

[Repsac]

Its a garbage fight just like gane-jones. You can be on a losing streak and be given a TS now. The UFC is losing all credibility it has left.

To be fair, Stipe is not on a losing streak.

 

[Volador]

I agree, pointless fight. At the same time, outside Ngannou, there’s no real compelling matches for Jones.

 

[Gamer2k4]

It’s what he did at LHW, took out a few past-it legends, then a few current killers too.

I agree with your general sentiment that Jones defended against both veterans and up-and-comers, but keep in mind that the legends he beat weren't considered "past-it" until after he beat them.

Shogun was 7-2 in his last nine, with those 2 being a robbery against Machida and a fluke against Griffin. Rampage was 10-2 in his last twelve. Machida was 17-2. Evans was 17-1-1. Belfort was 7-1 in his last eight, the lone loss being to Anderson Silva (and he went on to have three spectacular finishes afterward). They were all considered incredibly strong contenders, which made what Jones did all the more impressive.

 

[BjPenn2017]

In all honesty, I think it’s happening because there is no real name value in the division and if you look a little deeper it makes all the sense in the world from the UFC perspective.

Blaydes is Jones most dangerous fight, and worst draw. Not to mention if he beats Jones (which he prob would) it just de-legitimizes the UFC belt even more having lost to Ngannou twice. Pavlovich, although intriguing to sherdoggers isn’t really known outside hardcore fans.

UFC wants to capitalize on Jones drawing ability, and Stipe is the biggest name to casuals. If Stipe wins, they can go “well at least he’s 1-1 with Ngannou” and if Jones wins he beat the guy who beat Ngannou.

 

[HaulParris]

its for ppv numbers

stipe is 1-1 with ngannou, beat dc, most HW title wins of all time... thats how it will be marketed.

jones wins then he rides off into the sunset. stipe probably will too. ufc continues to degrade ngannou's legacy. new guys like aspinall, pavlovich, gane fight for the belt

jones loses they do instant rematch and possible trilogy

If/when Jones & Stipe retire, UFC should legit do a HW tourney to reinvigorate interest in the division.

 

[Gregoire1]

something i didnt notice much before but am noticing now is the fact that Stipe has never been submitted. has he ever been in real danger of being submitted? i have watched most of his fights since entering the UFC and before he won against Werdum i was seriously worried about the submission threat - we all know how great Werdum is on the ground. thankfully Fabricio fought too much with his ego and Stipe laid him out. but other than Werdum and DC i struggle to think of a high level grappler that Stipe has faced. Stipe's takedown defense and wrestling are superb, but what happens when he gets to his back? i think Jones will want to try to get there and find out.

bro imagine Stipe winning by toehold LMAO

Overeem nearly subed him