The Takedown | UFC: Jon Jones at heavyweight could steal the MMA show in 2021 and secure ‘GOAT’ status

Jon Jones’ light heavyweight title defence against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 back in February is an interesting case study.

A front runner in the MMA “GOAT” (greatest of all time) debate, Jones (26-1-0, 1NC) went five full rounds with his fellow American and most within MMA circles feel as if Reyes (12-2) might have eked out a victory on points.

One thing was clear during the fight: Jones was not his usual self, looking sluggish, and at times in the first three rounds, apathetic to the whole thing.

Jones got the unanimous decision win, however, and successfully defended his belt for what felt like the hundredth time. It seemed he had done the unthinkable and cleared out the entire 205-pound division of potential challengers, and “Bones” appeared at a crossroads in his career: what to do next?

Reyes immediately called for a rematch, and for a brief, fleeting moment, it looked like a possibility. But then Jones nixed the chatter by essentially ignoring Reyes’ post-fight trash talk. It was clear to see Jones’ mind was elsewhere, and fighting Reyes again was probably the last thing he wanted to do knowing many felt Reyes could use the first fight as excellent experience against a fighter most get blindsided by, and then never get the chance to fight again.