UFC 100 Preview: Jon Jones Talks Jake O'Brien

by Kelvin Hunt on Jun 25, 2009 11:51 AM EDT in News

Rising star Jon Jones spoke with Sergio Non of USA Today about an array of things, but had this to say about his upcoming opponent in Jake O'Brien:

I plan on being a completely different animal than he's ever faced before.

I'm just working really, really hard with my wrestling. I've watched all his fights. I think he got (Andrei) Arlovski down. Obviously he didn't get Cain Velasquez down, because he lost that fight, but I want to be one of the first fighters that he couldn't take down and I just want to stuff every takedown attempt that he has and push him into deep waters by keeping him on his feet.

I've been wrestling for years. A huge part of collegiate wrestling is to be able to escape, and I never had a problem throughout my wrestling career getting out from the bottom. I like to move until I get free, so I'm going to try to move until I get free if he gets me down.

I definitely won't be a victim of his laying and praying on you, just kind of stalling. I won't let that happen.

The entire interview is definitely a good read, and he even speaks on the holes he sees in Lyoto Machida's game. The most impressive thing about Jones to me is, besides his unorthodox striking style, his ability to land in side control from his throws/take downs. Below is a visual of what I'm talking about as Jones drops Stephan Bonnar on his neck:

He speaks on it in the interview as well. I mean whenever you are able to land in side control, you are saving time and energy in terms of having to work to get out of your opponents guard. Which gives you more time and energy to inflict damage to your opponent, basically fighting more efficiently.

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Read More: jon jones, ufc 100, jake o'brien, UFC 100

Comments

Jones is going to be a machine in a couple of years. You’ve got to love his aggressive style

" Man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated "
- Hemingway

by Hellsing on Jun 25, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

im a jones fan, gotta love a guy that walks the walk

scott THE BARRBARIAN barr

by the barrbarian on Jun 25, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

if he can get his cardio up, he’ll be a monster…his pace and his striking style will give ALOT of LHW’s fits

by Charles Walker on Jun 25, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

I like his approach to Greco-Roman vs Randy Couture, Lindland, and Henderson’s approach. His is more controlling and throwing opponents and setting up strikes rather than hold guys against the cage and maintaining good position.

by The Bronzeville Bully on Jun 25, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

Yep

I mean that grinding style they have has it’s place, but it’s pretty boring whereas Jones style lends itself to being exciting as well as puts you into positions to end the fight.

http://www.mmaforreal.com

by Kelvin Hunt on Jun 25, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, I think he could possibly develop a trend the more his style becomes effective. We could see more use of take downs from the clinch than shooting for double leg..

by The Bronzeville Bully on Jun 25, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions