Title dominance

Jon Jones has had quite a year. He's an MMA fighter in the 205 pound division.

His career record coming into 2011 was 11 wins and one loss. His only loss came when he was disqualified for use of an illegal technique in a fight he was easily winning.

His first win last year came on February 5th, and put him into title contention.

He easily defeated the reigning champion, Mauricio Rua in the third round.

His third fight of the year was against former champion, Rampage Jackson. Jones choked him out in round four.

Finally, December. Jones faces another former champion in Lyoto Machida. Machida has a style almost perfectly designed to defeat Jon Jones. He is hard hitting yet is also highly elusive on his feet, and on the ground he's an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In the first round, Machida pulls ahead with a combination of his defence and his striking.

Round two; Jones chokes Machida into unconsciousness.

Not only has Jones defeated three champions in a row, he has effectively cleaned out the division.

Who is left?

Maybe Dan Henderson. He's a decent fighter with a 29-8 record and is currently rated as the top contender. Does this 40 year old stand much of a chance? I doubt it.

How about Rashad Evans? He is 16-1-1, but really brings nothing that Jon Jones hasn't already faced and crushed.

Phil Davis is an up-and-comer who is undefeated in 9 fights. However, on his resume there is only one big name, and that big name was well passed his prime when Davis beat him. I'd call Davis an extreme long shot.

The 205 pounders seem to have settled into the same situation as the next two lighter divisions. They also have incredibly dominant champions who have no serious challenges on the horizon. The only interesting event is in the 170 pound grouping.

The unbeatable champion, Georges St. Pierre has an injury that will have him out for at least six months. Other fighters will squabble over an interim title, and when St. Pierre comes back they'll face him. Barring unforeseens, he will obliterate the pretender.