I’m a big supporter of the Georges St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva fight, always have been. I still believe that GSP has the tools to beat Anderson Silva, but many detractors believe that Silva’s size makes the fight unattractive. I still think that fight would do tremendous numbers provided GSP beats Jake Shields next month.
But…
After watching Jon Jones run through Shogun Rua the same way I run through a 12 piece order of wings during a UFC PPV, I have to say that Jones vs. Silva is THE super-fight in the UFC. Yes, I understand that Jones hasn’t even defended his belt once. I understand that he hasn’t cleaned out the division. I understand that the UFC is building a super-star, and that he’ll be important PPV wise, etc.
However, if we are talking about a fight in which two of the best fighters in the world can fight on equal footing in regards to weight, then this is it.
Some may say that Jones doesn’t deserve a fight like that that at this point. But the way he put away a decorated fighter like Shogun Rua speaks to the talent of the young 23-year-old. Anderson Silva will possibly face Yuhsin Okami next, and then there’s nothing left for him in the middleweight division. Also, unless the co-main event is strong, the Silva/Okami fight will likely do sub-par PPV numbers. So what would be next for Silva after that?
Jones will first defend his light heavyweight title against former champ Rashad Evans later this year. The odds for that fight have been released and Jones is the overwhelming favorite. Evans has the benefit of previously working with Jones as a sparring partner and may have a speed advantage, not to mention his own wrestling skills. However, he’ll be giving up a huge amount of reach and size.
Dana White is already talking about putting Jon Jones on the top 5 pound for pound list after his victory over Rua. Anderson Silva’s window of dominance is getting smaller with each passing fight as age becomes a factor, and White considers Silva the #1 pound for pound fighter in the world.
I think Jones has the tools to beat Anderson Silva, and with a win he could supplant him as the consensus top fighter in the world at the ripe age of 23 or 24 as Silva is on his way out. So all things considered, why not make Jones vs. Silva a reality? Work with me here.