It's hard to deny that Conor Mcgregor is the hottest thing in MMA right now. But before "the Notorious" was Jon Jones. The phenom who dominated every opponent he's faced and was already in the talks for the greatest mma fighter of all time. But recent personal troubles and a 1-year suspension halted his momentum and gave rise to other stars like Conor Mcgregor and Ronda Rousey. In a revealing interview with Joe Rogan, Jon Jones has said that he has already conquered his demons and is ready to take his title that he never lost. He also indicated he might want to chase after Conor Mcgregor's record and be a 2 division champion.
In a two-hour long interview with Joe Rogan, Jon Jones said that he is interested in a new division that would bridge the gap. He said that he'd be interested in fighting in a 225-pound division and claimed that he would be the champion of that division making him a 2 division champ and possibly match Conor Mcgregor's record.
When compared to Boxing weight divisions, MMA divisions are much lesser in number (17 in boxing while 8 in MMA) and thus, much simpler. In Boxing, a weight increase of as little as 3 pounds means a change in a weight division. On the other hand, in MMA, weight differences in different divisions could go as high as 60 pounds. It's the reason why we see more boxers win titles in multiple divisions and an all time great in Jon Jones is stuck in one.
The disparity in weight in the light heavyweight and heavyweight division in MMA is huge (205 for lightheavy weight and 206-265 for heavyweight). 205-pound light heavyweight fighters who weigh as little as 206 pounds can fight men who are weighing 260 pounds in the heavyweight division. Creating a 225 division could give more opportunities for fighters of the 2 classes. Jon Jones, currently fighting in the 205 light heavyweight division is one of them.
Jon Jones usually has a size advantage over his opponents in the light heavyweight division. Moving up to the heavyweights is certainly a possibility for Jon Jones. He has already indicated that he is open for the weight change. But fighting in the heavyweight division, where 260 pound fighters lord over the weight class would be dangerous for the much smaller Jon Jones.
Conor Mcgregor might have taken an easier path of being a two weight division champion since there is only a 10-pound pound difference in the two classes he's one titles in. But that doesn't take away from his achievements as only 2 men have done it other than Conor but Conor is the first to hold two simultaneous belts at the same time. If a 225-pound division was created, Jon Jones could easily do the same. And maybe, if he is crazy enough and fight for a heavyweight title, be the first to win the title in 3 weight divisions.
