Jon Jones Vs. Anthony Johnson: What Could Have Been?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a real what-if scenario in the world of MMA: Jon Jones versus Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. This is a fight that was scheduled but never happened, leaving fans salivating at the possibilities. So, let's break down why this matchup was so highly anticipated, what led to its cancellation, and what each fighter brought to the table. Trust me, this is a rollercoaster of 'could-have-beens' and 'what-might-have-happeneds.'

The Anticipation: A Clash of Titans

Jon Jones, arguably one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, needs no introduction. His incredible reach, unparalleled fight IQ, and diverse skillset made him a dominant force in the light heavyweight division. Before his troubles outside the cage, Jones was virtually unstoppable, dismantling legends like Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Lyoto Machida, and Rashad Evans. His ability to adapt mid-fight and exploit his opponents' weaknesses was second to none. Think about his fight against Glover Teixeira. Jones absorbed some heavy shots early but adjusted his game plan, utilizing his wrestling and clinch work to wear Teixeira down and secure a unanimous decision. That's the kind of adaptability that made him so dangerous.

Then you have Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, a man whose fists were registered as lethal weapons. Johnson's knockout power was simply terrifying. With a single punch, he could turn the lights out on anyone. His highlight reel is filled with brutal knockouts of top-tier fighters like Alexander Gustafsson, Glover Teixeira (yes, the same Glover), and Jimi Manuwa. Rumble's aggressive style and unwavering commitment to throwing bombs made him a fan favorite. Remember the Gustafsson fight? Gustafsson was known for his toughness, but Johnson put him away in the first round with a series of devastating punches. That kind of power is rare, even in the world of professional fighting.

So, when you put these two together, you had a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup with a serious twist. Jones' technical prowess and wrestling against Johnson's raw power and knockout potential. The fight promised fireworks, a chess match with bombs attached. Who wouldn't want to see that?

The Cancellation: What Went Wrong?

Sadly, the fight never materialized due to circumstances surrounding Jon Jones. In the lead-up to their scheduled bout, Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident, leading to his arrest and suspension from the UFC. This wasn't just a minor hiccup; it was a major derailment that cost him the fight and his title. The details of the incident are well-documented, but the fallout was clear: Jones was out, and the fight was off.

This wasn't the first time Jones' career had been sidetracked by issues outside the octagon. His talent was undeniable, but his troubles with the law and performance-enhancing drugs repeatedly cast a shadow over his accomplishments. It's a frustrating narrative for fans who wanted to see him compete consistently against the best in the world. Each time he stumbled, it felt like a missed opportunity to solidify his legacy.

For Anthony Johnson, this was a devastating blow as well. He had been training hard, preparing for the biggest fight of his career. The chance to face Jones for the title was a dream come true, and to have it snatched away due to circumstances beyond his control must have been incredibly disheartening. Johnson, despite his intimidating persona, always came across as a respectful and dedicated fighter. To have his hard work undone by someone else's actions was a tough pill to swallow.

The UFC scrambled to find a replacement, eventually pitting Daniel Cormier against Anthony Johnson for the vacant light heavyweight title. While Cormier was a worthy opponent, the fight lacked the same intrigue and excitement as the Jones matchup. It felt like a consolation prize, a substitute for the real thing.

What Each Fighter Brought to the Table

Jon Jones brought a unique set of challenges to any opponent. His reach was a major advantage, allowing him to control the distance and keep fighters at bay. His striking was unorthodox but effective, utilizing a variety of kicks, elbows, and punches to keep his opponents guessing. But his wrestling was his real trump card. Jones was a master of takedowns and ground control, able to neutralize even the most dangerous strikers. His fight against Ryan Bader showcased his wrestling dominance, as he took Bader down repeatedly and controlled him on the ground.

More than just physical attributes, Jones had an uncanny ability to analyze his opponents and exploit their weaknesses. He would study their tendencies, identify their vulnerabilities, and then craft a game plan to take advantage of them. This fight IQ, combined with his physical gifts, made him a formidable opponent for anyone.

Anthony Johnson, on the other hand, brought sheer, unadulterated power. His right hand was legendary, capable of ending fights in an instant. But it wasn't just power; Johnson also had good technique and fight-ending instincts. He knew how to set up his punches, how to create openings, and how to capitalize when his opponents made mistakes. His fight against Jimi Manuwa was a perfect example of his knockout prowess. He patiently waited for his opportunity, then unleashed a devastating right hand that sent Manuwa crashing to the canvas.

Johnson's wrestling was often overlooked, but he was no slouch in that department either. He had a solid base and good takedown defense, making him difficult to take down. This was crucial against a wrestler like Jones. While he may not have been a dominant grappler, he was certainly capable of holding his own.

Hypothetical Matchup: How Could It Have Played Out?

Okay, let's get to the fun part: speculating how the fight could have played out. If Jon Jones and Anthony Johnson had actually met in the octagon, it would have been a fascinating clash of styles. Most analysts believed Jones would have looked to use his reach and wrestling to control the fight, keeping Johnson at bay and taking him down when the opportunity arose. Jones would likely have aimed to wear Johnson down, avoiding the big shots and grinding him out over the course of five rounds.

However, Johnson always had a puncher's chance. If he could have closed the distance and landed one of his signature bombs, he could have changed the entire complexion of the fight. The key for Johnson would have been to time his entries, explode with his punches, and avoid getting tied up in the clinch. A lot of people thought that if Johnson could have caught Jones early, he could have secured a knockout. After all, everyone is vulnerable to a well-placed punch.

The first round would have been crucial. If Johnson had come out aggressively and pressured Jones, he could have put Jones on the defensive and forced him to make mistakes. But if Jones had been able to weather the early storm and establish his wrestling, he could have taken control of the fight and imposed his will. It’s also possible that Jones could have looked for an early takedown, trying to get Johnson to the ground and take away his biggest weapon.

Ultimately, the fight would have likely come down to who could execute their game plan more effectively. If Jones could have avoided the big shots and implemented his wrestling, he would have had a good chance of winning. But if Johnson could have landed one of his knockout punches, he could have pulled off the upset. It's a fight that could have gone either way, which is what made it so intriguing.

The Legacy: What We Missed Out On

The cancellation of Jon Jones versus Anthony Johnson is one of the biggest what-ifs in MMA history. It robbed fans of a potentially epic clash between two of the sport's most exciting fighters. It also deprived both fighters of a chance to cement their legacies. For Jones, it was an opportunity to further solidify his claim as the greatest of all time. For Johnson, it was a chance to capture the light heavyweight title and achieve his ultimate dream.

Instead, we're left with speculation and hypotheticals. We can only imagine what would have happened if these two titans had collided in the octagon. It's a reminder that in the world of MMA, anything can happen, and sometimes, the most anticipated fights never come to fruition.

So, there you have it, folks. The story of Jon Jones versus Anthony Johnson: a fight that was scheduled but never happened, a clash of titans that remains one of the biggest what-ifs in MMA history. It's a story of talent, potential, and missed opportunities. What do you guys think? How would the fight have played out? Let me know in the comments below!