The mixed martial arts world is buzzing with anticipation for one of the most highly-awaited showdowns in recent memory Jon Jones versus Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Scheduled to take place on November 16th at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, this heavyweight title fight pits two undisputed legends against each other. Adding to the intrigue, former two-division champion and a fighter who has faced both men, Daniel Cormier, offers a unique perspective on what makes Jon Jones such a formidable force in wrestling.
The Art of Jones’s Ground Game
Daniel Cormier frequently highlights that Jon Jones’s wrestling prowess isn’t just about raw strength or conventional techniques; it’s deeply rooted in his exceptional understanding of space and timing within the octagon. While many wrestlers rely on traditional entries to secure takedowns, Jones employs a distinct strategy that leverages his physical attributes. He excels at cornering his opponents, using his incredibly long reach – an astounding 84 inches – to set up takedowns that are as unexpected as they are effective. This calculated approach allows him to control the distance and dictate the terms of engagement, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to mount a cohesive defense.
Navigating the Octagon Against a Giant
Cormier’s insights reveal the strategic dilemma Jones presents to his opponents. Fighters accustomed to engaging in close-quarters combat can find themselves outmaneuvered by Jones’s ability to create and exploit space. His remarkable height and reach are not just statistical advantages; they are fundamental tools that enable him to seamlessly blend pressure with grappling. Cormier famously described Jones’s reach by saying, „He’s got an 84-inch reach, which is like a seven-foot man’s reach.“ This physical disparity is a significant factor, allowing Jones to initiate grappling exchanges or land strikes from a distance that many heavyweights simply cannot match. This unique combination of reach and wrestling intelligence makes him a truly one-of-a-kind challenge for any opponent.
Grappling’s Role in the Highly Anticipated Bout
While Cormier readily acknowledges Jones’s exceptional wrestling capabilities, he expresses skepticism about how much grappling will actually feature in the upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic. He believes that the dynamic between these two heavy-hitting strikers might steer the bout away from prolonged ground exchanges. Both Jones and Miocic possess significant power and are comfortable engaging in stand-up battles, leading Cormier to predict a fight that will likely be decided by striking exchanges rather than wrestling battles. This perspective suggests that fans can expect a more striking-focused contest, where the ability to land decisive blows will be paramount, rather than a tactical wrestling chess match.
