In the end, there are simply no major weaknesses. That said, even if Jones was pushed a little in round one against Machida at UFC 140, he's never been in a knockdown, drag out brawl. So we don't know enough about his heart yet. Of course, in order to find out about it, we'd need to see him in a hotly contested fight.
What Rashad Evans brings to the table: Evans is a very athletic former wrestler. So he possesses excellent takedowns, takedown defense, and ground control skills. He's also become an excellent boxer, with lots of speed and nice power. In the end, the guy has only lost one professional MMA fight; so that says a lot.
Perhaps his biggest advantage in this fight, however, is the fact that he used to train with Jones. In other words, he has insight into his opponent's strengths and weaknesses that others simply don't.
PS- Evans isn't much for submissions. Then again, he isn't much for getting caught in them either.
Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans Prediction:Evans has advantages in terms of pure boxing and speed. Jones has advantages, in my opinion, in wrestling, striking diversity, submissions, and reach. In other words, I think he's the better overall fighter.
So the real question becomes, will Evans' understanding of the champion from training with him allow him to turn this into a very tough fight, the kind of which Jones has never been in? And will Jones show his worth in such a fight?
Too many variables we don't have answers for. In the end, I just have to go with the better fighter. But expect this to be the toughest fight he's ever had, one where if he didn't have such a reach advantage he might find himself in trouble.
Jon Jones defeats Rashad Evans by decision.
