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I’ve actually heard a lot of people in the mma community defending Jon Jones’ decision to not take the Sonnen fight. I’ve heard people say it’s a high risk low reward situation for Jones; I don’t agree and here’s why for whatever it’s worth.

First off the premise that Sonnen has nothing to lose is absurd. Sonnen has everything to lose. What happens if Sonnen gets smashed to bits by Jones? I say any excitement about him moving up in weight gets deflated. His viability as a contender is gone, probably for good. Does Sonnen facing anyone in the light heavyweight division sound as enticing, knowing that no matter the outcome, Sonnen has no chance to ever be champion? Uh, no.

Secondly, the idea that there’s a low reward for Jones is simply not true. Sonnen is a dangerous opponent who nearly dethroned the best fighter this sport has ever seen once upon a time. I do have the luxury of looking at this in hindsight, but I think Jones’ reputation would have, in the long term, risen to new heights. Imagine Jones remains undefeated in the next four years, and Dana looking back saying things like, “Jones never refused a match with anyone, and took on all comers; hell, he took on Chael Sonnen with only a week to prepare!” See what I mean?

Taking risks is what sets a person apart. Playing it safe can sometimes be the exact wrong thing to do.

I don’t know why they keep trying to throw in these middleweights with Jones instead of giving a true light heavy a chance, like
Alexander Gustafsson. I realize he doesn’t have the name that Sonnen or Vitor has, but at least he’s a legitimate contender in the right weight division.