Stipe vs Jones is the fight to make

[Man_in_Black]

Jons not fighting anyone that’s not the champion and he’s not fighting anyone named Ngannou.

It’s crazy the amount of people dismissing Derek Lewis. Threads like these imply francis is going to reign for a long time, which historically hasn’t been the case for any hw champion. Francis didn’t lose to Derek due to wrestling. He lost because he fears Derek’s power. That fear isn’t going away and it earned Derek a victory already over Francis even with a back injury. Cyril is very fundamentally sound defensively and could pose some serious problems for Francis as well.

As far as Stipe goes and this hypothetical matchup, Jon beats Stipe if Stipe continues his incredible shrinking man approach againgst top Heavyweights. The smaller hw gets, the worse he performs. Stipe needs some legitimate time off after that knockout. Bulk back up and go back to what he does best.

I agree with this for the most part, however based on his performance against Stipe, Ngannou's improved defensive wrestling, and it even looked like his hands got faster and more technical, I think his concern over Lewis' power may be lessened in the second bout because he has added some tools. Granted Lewis has also gotten better...Inspite of the absolute snooze-fest that was their first match up, I'd love to see this rematch!
In so far as Stipe vs JJ, would love to see that one as well (I kind of see that one going the way of Israel vs Jan)...I think Stipe will out muscle him and win a unanimous decision.

 

[SKYNET]

Jones wont fight for no belt

 

[faustian]

Honestly I’d love to see any Jones fight at HW

 

[The Schmoop]

I agree with this for the most part, however based on his performance against Stipe, Ngannou's improved defensive wrestling, and it even looked like his hands got faster and more technical, I think his concern over Lewis' power may be lessened in the second bout because he has added some tools. Granted Lewis has also gotten better...Inspite of the absolute snooze-fest that was their first match up, I'd love to see this rematch!
In so far as Stipe vs JJ, would love to see that one as well (I kind of see that one going the way of Israel vs Jan)...I think Stipe will out muscle him and win a unanimous decision.

I think Stipe could very well win if he bills back to high 240s/250

 

[JustOnce]

Makes sense.
Stipe can be a good gatekeeper at this point and Jones can test the waters and build some confidence or get sent back to lhw.

I don't see 'The PED premadonnna' taking on Francis straight off the bat that would be crazy stupid.

Is that you Johnny boy?

 

[Hrvman]

I would love that.
Let Francis erase the Lewis loss first.

 

[Gamer2k4]

Stipe is the perfect gatekeeper now. He won't be the same after taking so many hard KOs.

"So many"? He's been knocked out twice in three years, and never before that except the TKO from Struve.