In the world of mixed martial arts, upsets happen all the time. Fighters who are considered unbeatable can be defeated by lesser-known opponents, and the unpredictability of the sport is what makes it so exciting for fans. One hypothetical scenario that could shake up the MMA world is if Islam Makhachev were to face off against Jon Jones and come out on top. While on the surface, it may seem like an unlikely outcome, a closer look at the fighters' respective paths to this hypothetical matchup reveals that Makhachev could indeed have what it takes to defeat the legendary Jon Jones.
Islam Makhachev's journey to a potential showdown with Jon Jones is an impressive one. At UFC 220 - Miocic vs. Ngannou, Makhachev faced off against Gleison Tibau in the Lightweight division. In a stunning turn of events, Makhachev was able to secure a victory over Tibau at just 0:57 in round 1 with a knockout punch. This victory showcased Makhachev's striking abilities and his knack for finishing fights early.
Gleison Tibau, Makhachev's opponent in that fight, had previously defeated Rich Clementi at UFC Fight Night 17 - Lauzon vs. Stephens with a submission via guillotine choke at 4:35 in round 1. Clementi, in turn, had defeated Anthony Johnson at UFC 76 - Knockout with a rear-naked choke submission at 3:05 in round 2. Anthony Johnson, a formidable opponent in the Light Heavyweight division, had defeated Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on Fox 14 - Gustafsson vs. Johnson with a TKO via punches at 2:15 in round 1. This chain of victories ultimately leads us to Jon Jones, who suffered a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale after landing illegal elbows at 4:14 in round 1.
Analyzing this sequence of fights, it is clear that each fighter in the chain possesses unique skills and abilities that allowed them to secure victories over their respective opponents. Makhachev's quick win over Tibau demonstrates his ability to capitalize on opportunities and finish fights early. Additionally, the fact that Tibau was able to defeat Clementi, who had beaten Johnson, who in turn had defeated Gustafsson, shows that victory in MMA is not solely based on reputation or past accomplishments. Styles make fights, and Makhachev's style could present a unique challenge to Jon Jones.
One key factor that could play a significant role in a potential matchup between Makhachev and Jones is their contrasting fighting styles. Makhachev is known for his elite grappling skills, with a background in sambo and a propensity for securing submissions on the ground. On the other hand, Jones is renowned for his unorthodox striking, range management, and creative use of striking and clinch techniques.
In a hypothetical matchup between Makhachev and Jones, Makhachev's grappling prowess could pose a significant threat to Jones. We have seen in the past that fighters with strong wrestling and submission skills have been able to neutralize Jones's offense and control him on the ground. Makhachev's ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling could provide him with the tools necessary to outmaneuver Jones and potentially secure a submission victory.
Furthermore, Makhachev's conditioning and pace could also play a crucial role in a fight against Jones. Jones is known for his ability to maintain a high pace throughout the fight and wear down his opponents. However, Makhachev has shown in his fights that he possesses excellent cardio and can push the pace from start to finish. If Makhachev can dictate the tempo of the fight and test Jones's cardio, he may be able to exploit any potential weaknesses and capitalize on them.
While this hypothetical scenario of Makhachev defeating Jones is based on a chain of victories and logical analysis, it is essential to remember that MMA is a sport where anything can happen. Upsets occur, and the underdog can emerge victorious on any given night. Makhachev's skill set, mindset, and preparation would all factor into a potential matchup with Jones, and his team would undoubtedly put together a game plan to exploit any perceived weaknesses in Jones's game.
In conclusion, while Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, a hypothetical matchup between him and Islam Makhachev presents an intriguing possibility. Makhachev's recent performances, grappling skills, conditioning, and fighting style all suggest that he could be a viable threat to Jones. MMA fans love a good upset, and if Makhachev were to pull off a victory against Jones, it would undoubtedly go down as one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history. Until this hypothetical matchup becomes a reality, fans can only speculate and dream about the potential outcome of such an exciting clash of styles.