Jon Jones Vs. Anthony Johnson: A Fight That Never Happened

Guys, remember when we were all hyped for Jon Jones to square off against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson? It was the fight everyone wanted to see! Two absolute powerhouses in the light heavyweight division, ready to throw down and leave it all in the Octagon. The clash of styles, the potential for a knockout for the ages… it had all the makings of an instant classic. But alas, like many tantalizing matchups in the world of MMA, fate—or rather, circumstances—had other plans. Let's dive into the story of this epic fight that never came to be, exploring the hype, the reasons behind its cancellation, and what could have been.

The Anticipation: Why We Were So Hyped

The buzz around Jon Jones versus Anthony Johnson was electric. Seriously, you couldn't go anywhere near an MMA forum or social media group without seeing people discussing it. Why? Well, for starters, Jon Jones was at the peak of his dominance. He was the seemingly unbeatable king of the light heavyweight division, dismantling opponents with his unique blend of wrestling, striking, and fight IQ. His aura of invincibility was almost tangible. On the other side, you had Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, a human wrecking ball with dynamite in his hands. His knockout power was legendary, capable of shutting anyone's lights off with a single punch. He had a string of devastating finishes against top contenders, and fans were eager to see if he could solve the Jon Jones puzzle.

Adding to the excitement was the stylistic matchup. Jones, with his creative striking and grappling prowess, against Johnson's raw, unadulterated power. It was the classic striker-versus-grappler scenario, but with both fighters possessing skills that transcended those labels. Could Jones take Johnson down and submit him? Or would Johnson land one of his bombs and end Jones' reign? These were the questions fueling countless debates and predictions. The thought of Jones having to deal with the incredible power of Johnson was something new for Jones, most of his opponents did not have the capabilities of ending the fight with one punch like Johnson did. This fight had the potential to be one of the greatest fights in UFC history. With the different fighting styles of both fighters, it was set to be a historic clash.

The Cancellation: What Went Wrong?

So, what happened? Why didn't we get to witness this clash of titans? The answer, unfortunately, is a familiar one in the world of MMA: legal troubles. In the lead-up to the fight, Jon Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This led to his arrest and subsequent suspension by the UFC. As a result, he was stripped of his light heavyweight title, and the fight against Anthony Johnson was called off. It was a crushing blow to fans and, undoubtedly, to both fighters who had been preparing for months. The cancellation sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community.

Dana White, the UFC president, was visibly frustrated with the situation, expressing his disappointment in Jones' actions and the impact it had on the event. Anthony Johnson, who had been patiently waiting for his shot at the title, was left without an opponent. The UFC scrambled to find a replacement, eventually booking Daniel Cormier to face Johnson for the vacant light heavyweight belt. While Cormier was a worthy contender, the fight lacked the same level of intrigue and excitement as the Jones matchup. The legal issues that Jones faced outside the ring ultimately robbed us of what could have been an unforgettable battle inside the Octagon. It was a stark reminder of how external factors can derail even the most anticipated events in the sport. The fans were left wondering what could have been if Jones had stayed out of trouble.

What Could Have Been: Speculating on the Fight

Alright, let's indulge in some good old-fashioned speculation. How would the fight have played out if it had actually happened? It's a question that's been debated endlessly by fans, analysts, and even the fighters themselves. Anthony Johnson's path to victory seemed pretty clear: land a knockout blow. His power was undeniable, and he had the ability to change the course of a fight with a single strike. The key for Johnson would have been to close the distance, avoid Jones' grappling, and unleash his devastating combinations. However, that was easier said than done against someone as elusive and skilled as Jones.

Jon Jones, on the other hand, had multiple avenues to victory. He could use his superior wrestling to take Johnson down and control him on the ground, eventually securing a submission. Or, he could utilize his unorthodox striking to keep Johnson at bay, picking him apart from a distance. Jones' fight IQ and adaptability were also major factors. He had a knack for finding his opponents' weaknesses and exploiting them. Many believed that Jones' versatility and championship experience would have given him the edge. Others argued that Johnson's power was the great equalizer, capable of nullifying Jones' skills with one well-placed punch. Ultimately, the fight was a classic example of contrasting styles, and the outcome was far from certain. That's what made it so intriguing.

The Aftermath: Where Are They Now?

So, where are Jon Jones and Anthony Johnson now? Well, Jon Jones eventually returned to the UFC after serving his suspension. He regained the light heavyweight title, lost it again, and then made a highly anticipated move to the heavyweight division. Jones captured the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane. However, he is now sidelined due to injury. His career has been marked by both incredible achievements and controversial incidents.

Anthony Johnson continued to compete in the light heavyweight division, but he never quite reached the same heights after the Jones fight fell through. He had a few more impressive wins but ultimately retired from MMA in 2017. Sadly, Anthony Johnson passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of highlight-reel knockouts and a reminder of the potential that could have been. His passing was mourned by the entire MMA community, a testament to the impact he had on the sport. The story of Jon Jones versus Anthony Johnson remains a cautionary tale of what could have been, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA and the various factors that can prevent even the most exciting matchups from happening.

Conclusion: A Lingering What If?

The Jon Jones versus Anthony Johnson fight will forever be etched in the memories of MMA fans as one of the greatest