• UFC 145

Couture names two men who could beat Jon Jones

ESPN staff
April 20, 2012
Jon Jones is ready to defend his UFC title © Getty Images
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Randy Couture is convinced an out-and-out striker will never beat UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones, predicting that the likes of Dan Henderson or Chael Sonnen are the men to dethrone the 205lb king.

Jones enters into a huge fight with Rashad Evans at UFC 145 with widespread expectation that he will chalk up another successful defence of his belt. Should he do so, the question will grow larger as to who can beat the seemingly invincible youngster.

Couture has his theory, predicting that Jones needs to be taken to areas that completely negate his incredible reach advantage. That means wrestling, and that means utilising the cage.

"I think a fighter like Dan Henderson or even Chael Sonnen, who is a very big 185-pounder and used to compete as a light-heavyweight with strong wrestling," Couture told Five Ounces of Pain.

"They have to take him out of his comfort zone and take away his reach advantage. There is no longer in the division and maybe not in the sport as far as Jones' reach.

"His takedown defence is good and he has very good wrestling. He has very unorthodox striking which makes him very dangerous.

"I think you have to use the fence, use your wrestling and force him to fight your fight. Either one of those guys can do that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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