Jon Jones vs Fedor Emelianenko Who would win?

Two iconic names ignite a fiery debate: Fedor Emelianenko, the former heavyweight champion and MMA legend, versus Jon Jones, the current heavyweight king and wrestling prodigy. Both boast legacies etched in combat history, one fueled by devastating strikes, the other by unparalleled grappling dominance.

Fedor, the “Last Emperor,” reigns supreme with four combat sambo world titles and a reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion for an astounding ten years. His thunderous strikes and strategic takedowns earned him the “fighter of the decade” title for the 2000s by Sports Illustrated, MMAFighting.com, FIGHT! Magazine, Vale Tudo.ru, Bleacher Report, About.com and Yahoo! Sports.

Jon Jones, the “Bones” of Light Heavyweight dominance, now steps into the heavyweight realm. His wrestling wizardry, honed to perfection with an NJCAA national championship, earned him multiple accolades and the light heavyweight championship belt for a record-breaking eight years.

But what if these two forces collide in the octagon? Can Fedor’s legendary striking dismantle Jon Jones’ wrestling fortress? Or will Jon Jones grappling mastery overpower the Emperor’s offensive onslaught?

This post dives into the heart of this captivating matchup, analyzing:

 Fedor’s striking prowess: Can his power and precision expose weaknesses in Jon Jones’ defense?

 Jon Jones’ wrestling supremacy: Will his takedowns and ground control neutralize Fedor’s striking threat?

 A breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses: Who holds the edge in key areas like cardio, experience, and fight IQ?

Skills of Fedor Emelianenko

Fedor Emelianenko, is famous for his powerful punches and ground fighting. But there’s another skill that made him so dominant: takedowns.

Fedor’s Takedown Toolbox:

Unlike most fighters who use wrestling moves like double legs, Fedor, a Judo and Sambo master, preferred trips and throws from close range. Here’s how he did it:

Here’s how Fedor Emelianenko would get close to his opponent:

1. Closing the Distance: He’d throw a strong punch while moving forward quickly, almost like a sprint. This made his opponent back up, giving Fedor a chance to get in close.

2. Hand Traps: Sometimes, he’d grab his opponent’s hands to create openings for more punches or to get into a clinch.

3. Catching Kicks: He was also skilled at catching his opponent’s kicks and using them to close the distance and take them down.

Once in the clinch, Fedor had some signature moves:

1. The Outside Trip: Fedor’s favorite move was the outside trip. He’d step behind his opponent’s leg, push them off balance, and then bring them down to the mat.

2. Inside Leg Trip: If his opponent was open to it, Fedor would trip them up by stepping between their legs.

3. Knee Control: He’d also use his knee to block his opponent’s movement and control their posture, making it easier to execute takedowns.

Fedor was adaptable and had some extra tricks up his sleeve:

1. Changing Tactics: He didn’t rely on just one move. Depending on his opponent, he’d switch things up, using sweeps, blocks, and foot trips to get them down.

2. Foot Block: Sometimes, when entering the clinch with a right punch, he’d use his leg to block his opponent’s feet, throwing them off balance.

3. Over-Under and Double Underhooks: If he had one arm under and one over his opponent’s arms, he’d adjust his grip for better control. With both arms under, he’d lift and slam them down. Even with both arms stuck behind his opponent’s, he’d use his hips to throw them over his leg.

Key Weapon of Fedor Skills

Fedor’s takedowns were a big part of his success. He wasn’t just a striker or a ground fighter; he was a complete mixed martial artist, and his takedown skills were a key weapon in his arsenal.

Elite  level strikers that Fedor  Emelianenko faced

Fedor Emelianenko, throughout his illustrious career, faced numerous skilled strikers across various promotions, solidifying his legendary status. Here are some of the top-tier strikers he encountered:

Pride FC:

Mirko Cro Cop: A decorated kickboxer and K-1 World Champion, Cro Cop was renowned for his powerful left high kick. Their encounters showcased epic striking exchanges, with Fedor winning by decision.

 Mark Hunt: Known for his unorthodox yet powerful striking style, Hunt challenged Fedor for the Pride FC Heavyweight Championship in 2006. The fight showcased a thrilling stand-up battle, with Fedor emerging victorious via Kimura Submission.

 Semmy Schilt: A towering kickboxer with exceptional technical striking, Schilt presented a unique challenge for Fedor. Despite Schilt’s reach and kicking skills, Fedor outmaneuvered him and secured a victory.

Andrei Arlovski: A former UFC Heavyweight Champion known for his versatile striking, Arlovski faced Fedor in 2009. The fight featured a striking battle, with Fedor ultimately winning via TKO due to a cut caused by an elbow strike.

Wrestling and Grappling of Fedor

Throughout his impressive career, Fedor Emelianenko faced various talented wrestlers, showcasing his own grappling prowess and adaptability. Here are some of the top-tier wrestlers he encountered:

Kevin Randleman: A former NCAA Division I wrestling champion and UFC Heavyweight Champion, Randleman presented a significant wrestling challenge and suplexed Fedor to the ground, and Fedor landed on his neck. However, he was okay, and from there, Fedor was able to work into side control where he locked in the Kimura and won the match.

 Mark Coleman: A UFC Hall of Famer and wrestling pioneer, Coleman faced Fedor in the 2006 Pride FC Heavyweight Grand Prix. While Coleman attempted takedowns, Fedor displayed superb takedown defense and secured a submission victory.

 Weakness

Fedor Emelianenko, often regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his dominance inside the cage. However, like any fighter, he isn’t without his potential weaknesses. Let’s delve into some aspects of Fedor’s game that opponents might seek to exploit:

1. Takedown Defense: While Fedor’s offensive grappling skills are formidable, his takedown defense has been questioned in certain matchups. Opponents may look to exploit this vulnerability by aggressively pursuing takedowns and testing Fedor’s ability to defend against them.

2. Cardio: Throughout his career, there have been instances where Fedor’s conditioning appeared to wane in the later rounds of fights. Exploiting this potential weakness could involve employing a high-paced, pressure-heavy strategy to wear him down over time.

3. Striking Defense: Although Fedor is known for his aggressive striking style, he has been susceptible to getting hit, particularly in exchanges where he becomes overly aggressive. Opponents may seek to capitalize on this by utilizing precise counter-striking or aggressive flurries to catch him off guard.

4. Submission Defense: While Fedor has shown proficiency in grappling, he has also been submitted in several fights throughout his career. Opponents may target his submission defense, looking for opportunities to secure advantageous positions and capitalize on potential openings to secure a submission victory.

Skills of Jon Jones

Jones’s Footwork: A Dance of Deception

Jon Jones moves like a panther in the Octagon, his long limbs covering ground with every step.

This “footwork” is like a secret weapon, letting him unleash powerful strikes (like elbows and jabs) while dodging counterattacks.

Think of it like trapping his opponent in a box, controlling the fight’s pace and confusing them. He can even switch stances mid-fight, keeping them guessing and messing up their plans.

But sometimes, when pressured, Jones backs away, turning his back like in the Dominick Reyes fight.

This has raised concerns about his defense when moving backward.

However, he’s also shown he can adapt, changing angles and stances to keep his opponents off balance.

Overall, Jones’s footwork is a key to his success, confusing opponents and landing strikes. While he may have some weaknesses in defense, his skills and adaptability make him a tough opponent.

Timing is Everything: Jones, the Master of the Counter

What makes Jones so good? It’s not just his fancy footwork. He’s got incredible timing, like a superhero who can see the future.

He waits for his opponent to make a mistake and then BAM! He counters with a perfectly timed strike.

Remember that time he stopped the famous striker Lyoto Machida with a lightning-fast counter? That’s Jones’s timing at its best.

More Than Just Jabs: Jones’s Bag of Tricks

Jones isn’t just a one-trick pony. He’s got a whole arsenal of strikes, from elbows and jabs to fancy kicks, spinning moves and wrestling. He can switch things up and attack his opponent’s weak spots, keeping them guessing and never letting them get comfortable.

 Keeping His Distance: The Art of Not Getting Hit

Jones is smart. He likes to fight at a distance where he can use his long reach to his advantage. This keeps his opponents away and minimizes the risk of them hitting him back.

But sometimes, he can get caught in the “mid-range” where things get dangerous. However, he’s good at using tactics and positioning to avoid getting hurt.

The Verdict: Jones, a Striking Powerhouse

Overall, Jones is a striking machine. He’s got the skills, the smarts, and the ability to adapt, making him a tough opponent for anyone.

Sure, he might have some challenges, but his complete skillset makes him a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Throughout his impressive career, Jon Jones has faced numerous skilled strikers, showcasing his own striking prowess and defensive capabilities. Here are some of the top-tier strikers he’s encountered:

Light Heavyweight:

 Alexander Gustafsson: A skilled kickboxer with powerful strikes and excellent footwork, Gustafsson pushed Jones to his limits in their epic two-fight rivalry. Both fights showcased technical striking exchanges, with Jones winning in both encounters.

Lyoto Machida: A renowned karate expert known for his unorthodox striking style and counter-punching ability, Machida presented a unique challenge for Jones. Despite Machida’s unpredictable techniques, Jones displayed excellent timing and countered effectively, winning via Guillotine Choke.

Daniel Cormier: An Olympic wrestler with powerful boxing and clinch striking, Cormier tested Jones’s striking defense in their heated rivalry. Although Cormier landed heavy punches, Jones ultimately outsmarted him with his footwork and diverse striking.

Heavyweight:

 Ciryl Gane: A skilled Muay Thai fighter with diverse striking techniques and exceptional footwork, Gane poses a potential threat in their heavyweight division but Jon Jones submitted him in the first round via Guillotine Choke.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jon Jones, the former Light Heavyweight and current Heavyweight champion, has faced a plethora of talented wrestlers. Here are some of the top-tier wrestlers he’s encountered:

Light Heavyweight Era:

Daniel Cormier: A decorated wrestler with an Olympic team member and World bronze medalist and multiple NCAA championships, Cormier posed a significant challenge. Their rivalry consisted of two epic fights – in their first encounter, Jones won by decision, showcasing his defensive wrestling against Cormier’s takedowns. The rematch saw Jones won again via TKO which was overturned later.

Lyoto Machida: A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and Judo expert, Machida’s grappling skills presented a unique test. The fight showcased Jones’s exceptional takedown defense and ability to counter striking exchanges, with Jones winning via Guillotine Choke.

Jon Jones Weaknesses

Mid-Range Vulnerability: While Jones excels at long range, his mid-range striking has been identified as an area for improvement, potentially opening opportunities for Fedor.

Explosive Kicks: Jon Jones rhythm was disrupted against  first Alexander Gustaffson match. powerful leg kicks consistently landed and forced Jon Jones to adjust his stance and defense

Moving  side-to-side, switched stances, and attacking from unexpected angles, making it difficult for Jones to predict and block his punches.

Jon is weak in particularly double leg takedowns. Effectively timed Explosive Takedowns and good hip positioning helps Jones get to the ground, where Fedor could exploit that weakness.

Comparing the Stats: Jon Jones vs. Fedor Emelianenko

Statistics	Jon Jones	Fedor Emelianenko
Career Record	27-1 (DQ)	36-5
Winning Percentage	96%	85.7%
Significant Strikes per Minute	4.29	3.18
Striking Accuracy	57%	51%
Striking Defense	64%	63%
Takedown Average per 15 Minutes	1.93	2.00
Takedown Accuracy	45%	63%
Takedown Defense	95%	82%
Submission Average per 15 Minutes	0.5	1.9

Comparing the above stats, it is very clear that Jon Jones has a greater chance of winning the match.

However, power plays a crucial role in MMA matches, and one perfectly timed strike from Fedor Emelianenko could turn the tide in his favor. While Jones excels in defense, he must be cautious of Fedor’s takedown attempts, as failing to defend against them could cost him the match.

Cardio Comparison

Fedor was a combat sambo champion before his MMA career and had a background in combat sports from a young age.

Having a lifetime of grappling experience definitely helps, as it allows for more efficient movements and familiarity with exertion.

Additionally, he was known to run over 8 miles every day during training camp. Furthermore, he would frequently train at high altitudes in the mountains, which helped increase his stamina.

Out of Fedor’s 27 matches since 2002, 19 ended in the first round, with only 5 going the full three rounds. This clearly indicates that cardio isn’t a significant concern for Fedor, as he relies on landing significant strikes to win.

On the other hand, Jon Jones has fought many championship rounds and possesses good cardio. He will likely aim to extend the match to rounds 4 or 5 to tire Fedor out, giving him the opportunity to capitalize on his fatigue and secure victory.

Chin Comparison

Jon Jones is undeniably tough. He’s never been knocked out in a fight, which is quite remarkable.

Even when he takes heavy hits, he doesn’t appear to be seriously hurt. Take, for example, the time when Lyoto Machida landed a significant punch on him; Jones hardly seemed affected.

Similarly, in his bout with Gustafsson, despite absorbing some blows, he remained resilient. There was a moment when his nose bled during a clinch with Cormier, but he showed no signs of severe injury.

Even when Rashad Evans landed a clean punch, Jones barely flinched. While opponents have attempted to weaken him with body shots and leg kicks, he continues to press on, displaying remarkable durability.

Though he’s not invulnerable and does get hit at times, his skill in rolling with punches minimizes the damage.

Fedor Emelianenko also boasts a formidable chin. In a fight against Kevin Randleman, Randleman executed a powerful suplex that would have floored most fighters, but Fedor quickly recovered to secure a victory by submission. He’s truly exceptional.

In another instance, facing Mirko Cro Cop, Fedor endured several strong left hands and a brutal high kick that broke his nose and caused significant bleeding. Despite this, he soldiered on. Fedor has a reputation for absorbing punishment without succumbing to knockout blows.

His resilience is remarkable, even when struck hard, he appears relatively unfazed. It’s as if he has an incredibly sturdy head. Fedor’s capacity to absorb damage and persevere is a major factor in his status as one of the sport’s greatest fighters.

Both Jon Jones and Fedor Emelianenko possess impressive chins. However, it’s intriguing to see how Jones fares in the heavyweight division, where opponents hit even harder. Given this context, Fedor arguably holds the advantage in chin resilience compared to Jon Jones.