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View full size photo uploaded July 7, 2009

Jon Jones (8-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jake O’Brien (11-2, 4-2 UFC)

One is widely believed to be one of the best prospects in the entire sport, with a strong wrestling base, unique striking techniques and crazy athleticism.

The other is Jake O’Brien.

Many think Jon Jones has a Light Heavyweight title in his future, including both myself and Jones. In two fights, he has shown an impressive skill set that has many fans and media members drooling over his limitless potential. In just his second UFC fight, “Bones” literally threw Stephan Bonnar around like a rag doll.

In the opposite corner, Jake O’Brien a former UFC heavyweight who is not without a strong wrestling background or strong list of former opponents either. You don’t step into the cage with guys like Cain Velasquez, Andrei Arlovski, and Heath Herring without solid skills.

(WKR incorrectly stated that O’Brien was making his debut at light heavyweight)

Conventional Wisdom Generally speaking, many see this as another showcase event for Jones, as O’Brien is not necessarily seen as a strong a test as Bonnar was for the athletic youngster from Endicott, New York. While O’Brien showed in his win over Heath Herring that he has the strength and acumen to simply outwrestle an opponent, taking down the wiry and agile Jones will be a much more difficult task than bringing “The Texas Crazy Horse” to the mat.

WKR Analysis

Sometimes, you just have to side with conventional wisdom.

While there is certainly the possibility that Jake O’Brien makes the cut to 205 fairly easy and tirelessly tries to make this a ground-based wrestling match, the throws utilized by Jon Jones in the Stephan Bonnar fight are still too fresh in my mind to convince me that anything other than another win for the rapidly-rising prospect is going to happen.