In 2009, Jon Jones captured the attention of MMA fans. After only training in mixed martial arts for about a year, the young phenom displayed prodigious development in his striking and an athletic style that immediately translated to physical dominance.
Those in the know may not have been particularly impressed with his flashy, understandably messy striking, but the wrestling ability of the junior college national champion was undeniably phenomenal.
For more context on what Jones’ wrestling credentials actually mean, please reference Coach Mike Riordan‘s article on the subject.
10 years later, predictably, Jon Jones is a very different fighter.