Even as he prepares for his own upcoming fights, Curtis Blaydes keeps a keen eye on the heavyweight division. He was particularly interested in watching Jon Jones make his debut and fight for the title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
However, the fight didn’t teach Blaydes anything new about Jones that he didn’t already know. Jones secured a quick takedown and finished Gane with a guillotine choke in just over two minutes. Leaving little time for any significant observations.
“It was such a fast fight, the only thing I wanted to know would [Jon Jones] be able to bounce the way he does for a round or two rounds,” Blaydes told MMA Fighting. “There wasn’t anything to really glean from that first exchange. It was just a straight left by Jon. Jones was able to get the back, take him down, hooks the back leg. He gets the mount, he gets the guillotine. Really the only thing we learned was Ciryl Gane, I don’t think he’s ever going to be a good grappler.”
Although Gane struggled on the ground against Jones. Curtis is confident that he wouldn’t face the same difficulties if he were to fight Jones.
The 32-years old holds the record for the most takedowns in UFC heavyweight history, with a total of 62 takedowns. Additionally, he has spent the most time in top control, having dominated his opponents for over an hour and six minutes since joining the organization.
Jon Jones wrestling’s skills not up to par
Curtis firmly believes that his wrestling skills would pose significant challenges for Jones. Particularly in the heavyweight division where Jones has not faced such a dominant wrestler.
Given that Blaydes’ wrestling has been a dominant weapon in his fights. He is confident that he could present problems for Jones that he hasn’t encountered before.
Jon has recently hinted at the possibility of retiring in the near future. But Curtis hopes that he will stick around for a few more fights.
Jones could break the UFC record for the most title defenses with just four defenses of the heavyweight title. Which could serve as an incentive for him to continue competing.
Curtis is eager to have the opportunity to face someone like Jones, who is widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time. However, for now, Blaydes is solely focused on his upcoming fight against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Vegas 71.
As for Jones, it appears that he will be facing former champion Stipe Miocic in late 2023, according to recent reports.
