Number 2: Jon Jones
Whether you love him or hate him, the raw talent of the polarizing Jon Jones has to be admired. The current UFC light-heavyweight title holder became the youngest champion in the promotions history at the age of 23. He has blown through the 205 pound division in record time and may be the most impressive MMA wrestler of all time. Wrestling has long been considered as one of the best starting points for a career in MMA. Although there are more decorated wrestlers in the UFC, such as former Olympian Daniel Cormier, Jones has time and again proved that he can outclass every one of them using supreme power and leverage. With the ability to control his opponents in the clinch and on the ground, Jones rarely loses a round.
Although Jon is not the most technical striker in the UFC, having only started training stand up in his adult life, he has had tremendous success with his unorthodox style and unparalleled use of reach and control of distance. He throws experimental kicks from odd angles, devastating spinning elbows and at 27, is only getting better. There are many fighters in the UFC with a reach advantage over their opponents, however none that utilise it as effectively as Jones. With his powerful and evolving jiu-jitsu game he is dominant wherever the fight takes place.
Jones is currently 21-1 in his MMA career, his only loss was via disqualification in a bout he utterly dominated. If he can manage to stay away from the party lifestyle and focus full time on his training, he may very well become the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. Next up he faces knockout specialist Anthony Johnson at UFC 187.
