The Light-Heavyweight division in UFC has had its moments where it seems like it is something out of the Twilight Zone. After Quinton Jackson lost the title to Forest Griffin, Griffin lost the belt in his first defense to Rashad Evans, who lost it in his first defense to Lyoto Machida, who should have lost it to Mauricio Rua in his first defense (terrible judging), but did lost it in the rematch, then finally Rua losing the title to Jon Jones in his first defense. Until Jon Jones, there hasn't been a credible defense of the Light-Heavyweight Title in a little over four years.
Jon Jones is a phenomenal talent, so I was surprised when he rejected Chael Sonnen as his replacement opponent for UFC 151. Dan Henderson suffered an injury three weeks before the event, and, much like “Hendo”, tried to tough it out, before finally being told he wouldn't be medically cleared to fight. On a weeks notice, it's a mystery why Jones (who has been jawing back and forth with Sonnen) wouldn't want to fight a fighter that is a lesser copy of the man he'd been training to fight. Chael Sonnen is a lesser Dan Henderson: they both wrestle, they both are on the same team and train together, but Dan Henderson has knockout power, Sonnen doesn't (not to mention that this would be Sonnen's first fight at Light-Heavyweight in seven years). Sonnen is a non-stop mouthpiece, which is good for promoting fights, and even offered to give Jones his purse for the fight to keep the event from getting canceled. Jones of course declined and the event has been canceled, hurting many of the undercard fighters depending on this payday. Jones has trash-talked Sonnen, but has refused to back it up. He is hurting his image being what my friend has deemed him a “mental midget”. He should shut his mouth and do what he has been fantastic at: fighting.
When Sonnen was dismissed as the opponent for Jones, Lyoto Machida was scheduled to be the opponent then. This made sense: Machida is the only fighter to score a winning round against Jones, fought him better than most have in their previous fight (before losing via guillotine choke), and had earned the shot after beating Ryan Bader. He backed out because he felt he needed more time to prepare, I respect his decision. He fought decently against Jones, and, essentially had another shot signed, sealed, and delivered (White has said he may need to win again to keep his shot, Danna doesn't like having to work to find a challenger for the title). Machida will most likely have to win another fight to remain the #1 contender for the Light-Heavyweight Title.
That leaves Vitor Belfort. Moving up to fight for the title, Belfort is a 13-1 underdog, and rightfully so. Don't get me wrong, I hope he knocks Jones out (I will be placing a bet on Belfort), but it's not logical. Jones will knock him out or submit him. If the fight goes the distance, Jones should be fined because I can't see Belfort being competitive with Jones for five full rounds when no one but Machida has (and that was for one round). Belfort has knockout power, but not the skill to defeat Jones, Jones matches up too well against most of the fighters he fights against.
UFC 151 is gone, UFC 152 is upon us. Looking past it, I could see a few things happening: Sonnen beats Griffen and gets a title shot right away for the awesome pay day and hyped fight against Jon Jones, Sonnen fights Machida for the number one contender spot to fight Jones, Machida fights Rua and gets a title shot against the winner of Jones and Sonnen. Dan Henderson (if he doesn't retire) will get a Light-Heavyweight Title shot when he is healthy. Any of the three fighters mentioned (Jones, Sonnen, Machida) would be an excellent opponent (Sonnen because they train together). The Light-Heavyweight division is a mess at the moment, but it will become suited out. Until then, UFC fans should try to enjoy the ride and hope for the best, and, try not to listen to much to Jon Jones, it's harmful to your ears.
