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UFC 100 Preview: Jon Jones vs. Jake O'Brien

Jon Jones (8-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jake O'Brien (11-2, 4-2 UFC)

One is widely believed to be one of the best prospects in the entire sport, with a strong wrestling base, unique striking techniques and crazy athleticism.

The other is Jake O'Brien.

Many think Jon Jones has a Light Heavyweight title in his future, including both myself and Jones. In two fights, he has shown an impressive skill set that has many fans and media members drooling over his limitless potential. In just his second UFC fight, "Bones" literally threw Stephan Bonnar around like a rag doll.

In the opposite corner, Jake O'Brien a former UFC heavyweight who is not without a strong wrestling background or strong list of former opponents either. You don't step into the cage with guys like Cain Velasquez, Andrei Arlovski, and Heath Herring without solid skills.

(WKR incorrectly stated that O'Brien was making his debut at light heavyweight)

Star-divide

Conventional Wisdom

Generally speaking, many see this as another showcase event for Jones, as O'Brien is not necessarily seen as a strong a test as Bonnar was for the athletic youngster from Endicott, New York. While O'Brien showed in his win over Heath Herring that he has the strength and acumen to simply outwrestle an opponent, taking down the wiry and agile Jones will be a much more difficult task than bringing "The Texas Crazy Horse" to the mat.

WKR Analysis

Sometimes, you just have to side with conventional wisdom.

While there is certainly the possibility that Jake O'Brien makes the cut to 205 fairly easy and tirelessly tries to make this a ground-based wrestling match, the throws utilized by Jon Jones in the Stephan Bonnar fight are still too fresh in my mind to convince me that anything other than another win for the rapidly-rising prospect is going to happen.

 

UFC 100 coverage

Poll
Who will win this fight?
Jon Jones
75 votes
Jake O'Brien
8 votes

83 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 4 comments |

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Comments

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Don’t forget that Heath Herring’s kryptonite is a good wrestler. I wouldn’t say O’Brien beat him because he is a better fighter…he beat Herring because it was a bad stylistic fight for Heath. I think the odds are about right on this fight.

by MMAMoneyLine on Jul 8, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

I do think that there is a chance (not high but better than most ppl are giving Jake) that O’Brien can turn this into a wrestling match. Whether that means he can win idk but I wouldnt be surprised to see it

watchkalibrun.com

by Zak Woods on Jul 8, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is actually O’Brien second fight at 205 in UFC. His first was against Wellisch at UFC 94

by The Bronzeville Bully on Jul 8, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

My bad – didn’t know Wellisch had dropped down as well.

Shamelessly self-promoting since 1997...

by E. Spencer Kyte on Jul 8, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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