Dan Henderson: Jon Jones won't be able to stop Rashad Evans' takedowns at UFC 145
Posted on April 4, 2012, 01:17 PM by Joey Santosus
"Don't count out Rashad Evans. Everybody's assuming it will be Jones, but Rashad is a good fighter too. Rashad got a lot of criticism for his last performance [against Phil Davis], but I thought he fought really well, really solid. Jon Jones is tough, but Rashad could definitely come out winning. He will definitely put Jones on his back if he fights like he did against Phil Davis. Rashad's the better wrestler, it's just that Jones is awkward. But Jones wouldn't be able to stop him from taking him down for that long.
They have two different styles, two different fights. Rashad is good on his feet, good with his striking, and he would definitely try to put me on my back more than Jon Jones would. Jones is longer, kicks a little bit more, stays on the outside and is awkward, and that is something I would have to deal with." - For more from Dan Henderson, visit ESPN.com
You shouldn't count "Suga" out against Jon Jones.
At least, that's Dan Henderson's take on the fight. According to the number-one contender, he was thoroughly impressed by Rashad Evans' victory over Phil Davis, and says that if the same fighter shows up in Atlanta, Jones won't be able to keep himself off the mat for long.
A four-time NCAA Division I All-American at Penn State, Davis has often drawn comparisons to "Bones" due to his lanky-frame, and wrestling background. However, unlike the division champ, "Mr. Wonderful" found his rapid ascension up the the Light Heavyweight ranks cut short when he dropped a lopsided unanimous decision to Evans in January.
Set to meet the winner of the UFC 145 title bout, Henderson acknowledges the stylistic problems that Jones will present, but says Evans could "definitely" come out on top. So what's the word LowKick'ers? Are there lessons to be learned from Rashad's victory over Davis, or is Hendo comparing apples to oranges?
Further Reading: Dan Henderson was promised a title shot "months ago"
Photo: Scott Hirano
Comments
A lot of people say taking Jones down and wrestling him is the best way to beat him but we're just guessing since we haven't seen Jones on his back. Jones obviously has crazy long limbs and has shown good jits in different areas so we don't know he might have a nasty triangle from guard or something.
I hate Hendo so much since he got lucky against fedor, but i agree with him on this point. Well said focking Hendo. I still hope to see you bleed in your next fight
Lucky... yea lucky
I do wonder if Jones is taking Evans seriously enough in this. Both are very awkward styles and Evans is very rarely dominated in any fight so Jones will need to be on top form for this and some of the stuff he's been saying lately makes me wonder if he is overlooking Evans a little. GSP can tell Jones what can happen when you do such a thing.
I completely agree with Hendo here. As spectacular as Jones has looked so far i really do think Rashad has the style to give him problems and i think the fact that Rashad talks about how they used to train together at Jacksons has really got under Jones' skin. Taking nothing away from Jones, he is one dangerous opponent far anyone he faces but i really think he is deluded, convincing himself that he is the 'one' and that he is destined to be the champ for x amount of years like he keeps saying.
He always comes across as ****y and conceited and the more wins he gets the ****ier he gets. That's why a lot of people aren't so keen on him, there is a difference between confidence and ****iness and Jones is definately the latter, that's why he needs humbling, bringing back down to earth.
When you think about it, Evans has only really been beaten once in MMA and that was by Machida, that fight changed Evans a lot and made him realise what Jones now needs to learn, Evans has been there and got the T-shirt, he is also no easy opponent to beat, he has all the necassary tools to beat Jones, great striking, KO power in his hands and feet, great wrestling and grappling and great movement.
If he can put it all together on the night Jones could be in for a long night and a bit of a shock. Rashad hasn't come across anyone he couldn't take down yet, some more difficult than others but he's still managed it. I really hope he goes into the octagon loose and not thinking too much like he has when we've seen him at his best, like that he's a handfull for anyone. If he manages to KO Jones he'll bring the house down!.........
Translation.
Henderson: If Jon Jones beats Rashad, OMFG, Then I am screwed. However, if Rashad could win by laying on top of him and even cuddling him for 5 rounds, hmmm, maybe I'd definitely have a shot at winning a UFC belt that' I've been so dying to win in years.
So please, please, please Rashad, I'm begging here, win this fight for me.
Rashad is a good wrestler but I don't think he is better than Jones, or at least he hasn't shown it. I would have to say Jones is stronger as well, which will obviously help him defend the TDs. I think Rashad should stay out and try to come in quick, close the distance and get back out again like he did with Rampage - mixing in boxing and TDs but going for more dominant positions on the ground then he did against Rampage.
IMO that's how Rashad should fight against Jones but I'm no coach and I think Jones will win anyway.
Rashad will have another loss on his record after this one. He'll have a terrible time with his takedowns after his eyes swell shut from the constant barrage of jabs and hooks catching him creepin'.
I want to see a legendary beatdown to eclipse my favourite, the Spider smoking Ace Franklin twice. Now those matches are what you can term EPIC!!
there is no way jones can stand and trade with rashad and live to tell the day. Davis has i believe better stand up then Bones Jones and he couldnt deal with Rashads Stand up. Jones will try take to this to the ground and when he cant... head kick KO Sean Salmon style
Please tell me you're kidding about Davis having better stand than Jones?
Well that's a whole bunch of opinions at least.
Not exactly logical ones, but still opinions none the less.
Great insight Joey. I've been wondering what Dan's look on this fight was. I was just saying last week that Jones could lose a lopsided decision to a hungry Rashad.
I would love to see either Suga or Hendo humble Bones. Bring that man down a couple of notches. Plant those feet back on the ground. Grind out n ugly win over Jones and he will show humility, and will become human in the eyes of his fans once more.
Every fighter will lose eventually. Jones would learn more about himself in a loss than any of his past wins. That being said... I don't see Rashad winning this fight.
If Rampage can't control him in grapples , Evans sure as hell doesn't have a prayer.
Second round rear naked choke for the champion
Remember Rashad completely out wrestled Page