The Doggy Bag

If Jon Jones is impressive against Vladimir Matyushenko [Aug. 1 at UFC on Versus 2], how far away from a title shot do you think he is? Two fights? Three fights? I know he is still young but I think his athleticism helps him make up for it, and I can already see him having a chance against guys like Rashad and Shogun.
-- Mark from Lexington

Jordan Breen, FightFinder Czar: Jones' ascent will in part be determined by how impressive he is against Matyushenko and in his subsequent fights. I think it's likely he puts a hammerjob on Matyushenko, so it's very possible that after "The Janitor" we're looking at a two-fight trajectory for Jones into a title shot.

There's a lot of different opponents that the UFC can use for Jones en route to a title shot: Rich Franklin and Forrest Griffin are obvious choices given that they may be healed up and ready to go by the time Jones is ready to fight again. Thiago Silva is appropriate if he defeats Tim Boetsch. The winner of the Ryan Bader-Antonio Rogerio Nogueira bout later this year might be suitable.

It is a tricky situation. Jones has been fighting for just over two years now and just turned 23 less than week ago. MMA mastery is a long cumulative process, so the more time he can have in the cage before vaulting into super-elite opposition, the better.

However, the 205-pound division doesn't have a lot of fresh contenders on the cusp of contendership. Former champ Rashad Evans is slated to fight Mauricio "Shogun" Rua for the title, while former champs Lyoto Machida and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson are going to square off near the top of the division; it's many of the same guys circulating in the top of the division. If Jones rips off an impressive win or two, fans are going to be chomping at the bit for a fighter with as much dynamism and promise to get into the title mix, regardless of how befitting it is.

I think with the Matyushenko fight included, you're looking at three fights before a title shot for Jones, unless there is some kind of major happening in the division that changes the title complexion, such as a big upset that necessitates an immediate rematch. Beyond that, the best thing Jones can do for his career is to excel, but not be so excellent that the world starts clamoring for him to fight for a title immediately.