For Jon 'Bones' Jones, history as UFC's greatest ever beckons

(This story was first published at PressConnects.com)

BALTIMORE — At 26 years old, UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones admits it is difficult even for him to realize he could soon be considered the best fighter in the history of mixed martial arts.

But it’s a reality with which the Union-Endicott High School graduate is quickly coming to terms.

“As the saying goes, it’s dangerous to set your goals short because you might achieve them,” Jones said. “I’m trying to think extremely big and set a goal that’s extremely high above myself in order to continue to elevate and continue to be motivated.”

Jones, who currently makes his home in Ithaca, is ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts according to the latest USA Today Sports MMA rankings. Despite fighting as a professional for only six years, the man known since high school as ‘Bones’ has already defeated four former UFC champions and appears to have almost unlimited potential.

Jones said he realizes the importance of what he has already accomplished and knows a few more wins could bring him to a new level.

“I know that I have three or four big fights in front of me to be considered one of the greatest of all time,” Jones said. “I want to earn that honor. I’m starting to believe I really can be the greatest fighter of all time. I’m taking that thought — greatest fighter of all time — and I’m breaking it down, and I’m breaking it into one opponent at a time.”

The next challenge comes Saturday night when Jones (19-1) faces Brazilian Glover Teixeira (22-2) in the headlining bout of UFC 172, which takes place at Maryland’s Baltimore Arena and airs live on pay-per-view.

Jon’s brother, Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Arthur Jones, until recently was a member of the Baltimore Ravens, so the crowd could be in Jones’ favor. Arthur considers himself a student of the UFC and knows his sibling may be facing the most dangerous challenger of his career.

“Glover is a guy with fireworks in his gloves,” Arthur said. “If he’s not the most dangerous opponent Jon has ever faced, he’s at least one of the most dangerous. He’s hungry. He’s been in the game for a while.

“When you’re the champ, everybody’s gunning for you. That’s a part of the game. But I think this is going to be a really good, exciting fight. There will be fireworks from both ends, and I know Jon will be ready to go.”

And if Jones is successful, his future seems clear. A rematch with Swedish contender Alexander Gustafsson, the man who gave Jones his toughest fight, looms. Two-time Olympian Daniel Cormier has made it obvious he expects to meet Jones sooner rather than later. And Phil Davis, a four-time NCAA All-American wrestler, has been vocal in recent months and also seems to be a part of Jones’ future plans.

But should Jones pass those stern tests, he might well be considered the best fighter the sport has seen, even if that moment comes shy of his 30th birthday. After achieving such success so early in his career, Jones admits anything less would be considered a failure.

“I want to be the best ever,” Jones said. “Getting there is about dominating the best. What I’ve been able to do with my past opponents and getting finishes, it’s already pretty impressive, but I’ve got to just keep winning.

“I’ve got to win these next three or four fights, and then it will be inarguable. To be able to do something like that, it’s going to be huge for me. That’s what drives me to be better.”

For the latest on UFC 172, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.