Jones vs. Machida

This is the official discussion thread for Jones vs. Machida. Let's see what you've got.

I think Machida takes it by tko. Some type of kick.

Machida is going to knock jones back down to earth. :-)

No amount of urine or front kicks can save Machida from this beating.

Machida wins this. There is absolutely no way Jones finishes this fight. That gives Machida 5 rounds to finish him. 

I'm no Jones fan and I know you want that upset award but be reasonable ;) I'd bet on Jones because of the 2nd Shogun fight. No not because of mmath but because Jones can do exactly what Shogun did there. Of course he has a bit less skill so Machida still has chances but since I have to decide I say Jones.

No he can't? Jones is a great fighter but he is nowhere near the striker that Shogun is. 

Disagree @minotauro - Shoguns credentials may be better, but Jones length, athleticism, and creativity made up for it, and he showed that when he destroyed Shogun in their fight. I don't see any area of MMA that Machida will be better then Jones for this fight.

Jones only kryptonite right now is a striker/wrestler who can get thru his length, take him down, and pound him out....

Jones is not that good of a striker. You guys are mistaking reach for striking. He's good at using his reach but he isn't some next level striker. Machida is a far better striker than he is. 

I believe that Machida will create unique problems for Jon Jones, and that the two fighters will mirror each other for the first couple of rounds.  The uneducated fans will boo, while the true MMA enthusiasts will respect the human chess match taking place before them.  One of two things will happen, starting in the third round.  Either Jones' size and reach advantage will begin to break Machida down, or Machida will crack the Bones Jones puzzle, and turn the tides.  Either way, I see this fight going to a decision.  Based on their styles, and what is likely to be a calculated display of counter striking, the judges may blow this one and create the necessity of a rematch. 

I am going with the safer pick, and selecting Jones by decision.  While Machida is a talented and intelligent combatant, I think that Jones' size and significant reach advantage will make the difference in this one.  Machida will lay back and try to counter strike, utilizing his back pedaling footwork to try and nullify Jon Jones' aggressive nature.  However, unless performed perfectly, that exact strategy could lead Machida into a trap due to Jones' 10.5'' reach advantage.

While I am picking Jones to win by decision, I want to put it on record that Machida most certainly is capable of winning this fight.  It all comes down to strategy, and who executes it better.  I can't wait to see this battle!

I never stated Jones is a better striker, i just presented attributes that make his style very difficult for fighter, AKA his reach and other things I LISTED ABOVE!

Whoops. Sorry, I misread your post. When you said I don't see any area where Machida would be better I assumed you thought Jones will outstrike him.

i look for jones to be really aggressive in this fight and end it quick.  machida is good but the reach will be to much for him.

Jonny Bones will take this in 2 rounds.  Machida can't handle this ass beating.  Everyone always underestimates Jon Bones Jones....but you will all see after this fight he will be considered the REAL DEAL!

No worries @minotauro - i enjoy your posts.

I do think Jones will narrowly outstrike him, but only becuase of his attributes mentioned above! I see Machida giving Jones a problem no one has on the feet, and that's using more than just punching combinations. Machida will throw kick/punch combo's that Bones hasn't seen in a live fight yet. Of the fighters he's fought, who has really thrown a solid punch/kick combo at him? Bader, Matyushenko, Hammil, Rampage, and even Shogun didn't use kicks. One dimensional strikers are going to be eaten up with Jones style of fighting. I think Machida will mix up his combos with his hands and feet.

That said, i see Jones taking him down and pounding him out

I completely agree that Jones will have his way with one dimensional strikers. I knew he'd beat Rampage on the feet (as most people did), but I think Machida can mix it up (like you said) and win this one. 

* Edited at 10.07.2011, 2:31 PM ET *

Who under-estimates Jones?  If anything, he is constantly given MORE than enough credit.  Look at the percentages on the picks so far, he's a HEAVY favorite.  That's not "everyone always under-estimating" Jones.  What makes me laugh is when people come along and side with the heavy favorite and act like they have some sort of Nostradamus prediction when they pick him to win a fight.

Lol +1 Lawman. 

I've always been a big fan of Bones Jones, even back when the ref screwed him on the elbow coming straight down.  Dana didn't give him the fights he deserved for a long time.  SO EAT IT lawman

Dana gave him the fights he deserved what the hell do you want? Him to get a title shot after beating matyushenko or what?

@thiago he should have got a title shot after beating Andre Gusmao!! Cmon dude! lol