Video: Catching up with Forrest Griffin
Forrest Griffin speaks about his new book. Jon Jones, Anderson Silva
Forrest: I’d like to fight before the end of the year.
Reporter:Jon Jones?
Forrest: I hope not.
Jon Jones vs Forrest Griffin rumored for UFC 123 in Chicago
There have been some reports stating that Jon Jones’ next bout will be against Forrest Griffin at UFC 123 in Chicago, which is slated for November. The UFC is yet to confirm the duel and the Chicago show, but if this is the next fight for Jones, who is fresh off a very impressive performance against Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC on Versus, this will be a big step up for him in competition and a great test for the 23 year rising star in the light-heavyweight division.
Forrest has great cardio, is well rounded, threatening off his back with submissions, has much improved striking, tremendous leg kicks, and is willing to just grind it out and outwork opponents on route to victory. Griffin holds wins over former champions including Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, and is a former 205 pound champion himself. A victory for either fighter could potentially catapult him into title contention.
The plan for Jon Jones by UFC president Dana White seemed to be to take things slow and work his way up the ladder, but after tremendous performance after tremendous performance, they’re left to throw nothing but the cream of the crop against Jones. He has looked terrific in his striking, and as of late just does a great job in taking down opponents with double legs, trip takedowns from the clinch, and just hammers them viciously with elbows from the top. His ground and pound is among the most brutal at 205, and against Griffin that will come in very handy.
It’d be a great fight, but Jones is on a spectacular run right now and has shown a variety of top level athleticism that seems to translate into all of the areas of the game. He’s dangerous striking, with takedowns, passing guard, and landing brutal strikes from the top position. Griffin is a former champion and very tough fighter, but I think Jones is the future of the division, and the future is now. I’d have to go with Jones in this battle between two top flight 205ers.