Rich Franklin says "enormous" Jon Jones can only be defeated by himself
Posted on August 31, 2011, 02:39 PM by Joey SantosusWhile fielding question from fans at a recent Q&A session, former Middleweight Champ Rich Franklin discusses current 205-pound kingpin Jon "Bones" Jones' recent streak of dominance. Franklin reflects on the first time he came upon the "enormous" Light Heavyweight in person and says that, with the right mindset, he expects Jones to rule the division for the foreseeable future. Photo: Francis Specker
"Honestly, I think that the only person at this point in time that can beat Jon Jones is himself. He's a young guy, the world is coming at him fast, and I think his game is going to be whether or not he can maintain focus. I remember the first time that I met Jon in person, I was down in Miami doing some Super Bowl promotions for the UFC. There were a group fighters and I was walking up to the group and Jon's back was to me. As I walked up I was looking at him and I thought, 'Who is this Heavyweight?" I kept walking around and around and I was like, 'Oh my word, he's enormous!' To kind of put things in perspective, he has an 84-inch reach. Tim Sylvia, who is four inches taller than him, has an 80-inch reach. And I've sparred with Tim many, many times. To deal with that kind of reach, it's insane. So, I think that if he can keep his head straight, he'll be able to run that division for a while."
Comments
rich franklin vs ryan bader. might not make sense right now, but its a fight ive been wanting to see since he lost to ortiz at 132. **** jon jones
No bader would lose they should give him one were he has a better chance at winning
they should set up franklin vs lil nog
Your right but if he loses his next fight he's cut. He's young and has a lot of potential its gunna heart his Carrie
john jones makes lhw easy cause he has chicken legs
That's so true LOL
I've been a Jon jones fan since day one but it's hard to keep the belt in that weight class... I think there's many guys in the division that has a shot in beating him... Unless he defend his belt at least 3 times in a manner he's been wining I will agree with Rich franklin.
Rich Franklin vs Tito Ortiz is the fight i want to see.
jones is an excellent fighter, theres no denying that, but i remember similar hype to when machida became champion, loads of MMA fans/fighters alike saw machida as an unbeatable force and thought he would run the division for years. but the LHW belt is cursed man, jones was outstanding against shogun but i dont believe shogun was 100% in that fight. not making excuses but i think given time and the correct fighter, jones will be figured out, someone who can get inside his massive reach and lay heavy punches on him (like rampage) but wether rampage is motivated enough now is another question. still always exiting to watch jones though.
Very true.... and i honestly believe Rampage will be a BIG test for Jones. I'd even go as far as putting my money on Rampage cause i think Jones will be shocked ones he feels his power, which will make him wanna take it to the ground and with Rampage TDD and counter striking. I can see Jones shooting... Failing and Rampage making him pay with a Boulder Rock Punch...
a Boulder Rock Punch huh?
Rich Franklin has got to be one of the best speakers MMA has... when he retires, i can see him working for ESPN, or being a top representative for the UFC