• UFC 128

Anderson Silva plays down talk of Jon Jones superfight

ESPN staff
March 23, 2011
Jon Jones has been linked to a superfight with Anderson Silva © Getty Images
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Anderson Silva is a man of few words in the public domain, but even he is prepared to predict that Jon Jones is set to rule the UFC light-heavyweight division for "a long time".

Jones was devastating in victory over Mauricio Shogun Rua at UFC 128, finishing the Brazilian via third-round TKO to claim the 205lb title. The manner of the win was so emphatic that questions are now being raised as to whether any light-heavyweight in the world can defeat Jones.

Silva has dabbled in the 205lb division, taking out James Irvin and Forrest Griffin, and the similarity in striking styles between himself and Jones has already got fans calling for a superfight. Silva admits that is unlikely.

"I'm very happy [at middleweight]. I don't have a plan for [moving] up or down," he told ULTMMA.

Silva trains with former light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who is hugely likely to face Jones in the future, but Silva believes it will take something special to defeat the new champ.

"Jon Jones is very, very...the big techniques. Jon Jones is, I don't know, amazing. With more fights, more experience, my opinion of Jon Jones? Champion for a long time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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