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Jon Jones says brother is better, could move to the UFC

Jon Jones claims his brother Arthur is a better wrestler than him and is 'working on his jiu-jitsu' © Getty Images

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Jon Jones is widely tipped to become the greatest light-heavyweight ever seen in the sport of MMA, but the 23-year-old insists his brother is an even better fighter.

Talking exclusively to ESPN, Jones spoke candidly about brother Arthur, who is a year older and currently plays in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens. The NFL has entered into something of a crisis period with the forthcoming season threatened by a lockout, meaning pay is currently frozen and fixtures are in danger of being abandoned due to a dispute over money.

Light-heavyweight champion Jones says his brother, who would have to cut weight severely in order to compete at heavyweight due to his natural 320lb frame, has a supreme wrestling base and is currently working his jiu-jitsu. And Jones, who has always played second fiddle to his older brother's sporting achievements, claims there is a very real possibility Arthur may fight in the UFC.

"Arthur's considering it and he's training," Jones said to ESPN. "I just talked to him today and he said 'man, my jiu-jitsu's getting so much better.'

"I guess he's using his wrestling base, and his size alone is crazy to deal with. He's just a smart dude. I think he's going to do well if he ever gets cut or leaves the NFL. I'm biased. I really want my brother to be in the UFC with me; that would be so sweet."

It seems a little far-fetched to imagine that an athlete that has spent his sporting career in American Football could suddenly rule the MMA heavyweight terrain, but Jones is adamant it could happen.

"I think if you gave Arthur two years of training he could be very well considered one of the top heavyweights. He's training it now.

"He's always been a better wrestler than me, he's always better than me. I've never been a team captain. He's been a team captain at everything, the football team, the wrestling team. Since day one, he's been a leader. He's just gifted. He just has timing, and body coordination, and light feet. Everything."

Asked for his thoughts on how Arthur might fare against current UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, Jones predicted: "Cain Velasquez would get smashed!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.