Jon Jones Says His Goal Is To Be 'An Anderson Silva With Great Wrestling And Great Jiu-Jitsu'

Jones talks about facing Matyushenko this Sun.

By Raj Giri | July 30, 2010

Jon Jones faces what he considers to be his biggest test in his young mixed-martial arts career when he faces Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC Live on Versus: Jones vs. Matyushenko this Sunday night. The 10-1 light-heavyweight phenom recently noted that he plans on having the advantage in the fight by pushing his unorthodox style.

"I don't think he's [Matyushenko] ever experienced a fighter like me," Jones stated. "My goal is to go out there and be something he's never seen before."

Many feel that Matyushenko's advantage lies in his wrestling. While Jones was a 2005 state wrestling champion as a senior at Union-Endicott High School and a national Junior College Champion at Iowa Central Community College, Jones feels that people are underestimating his wrestling ability.

"I've been really emphasizing my striking and jiu-jitsu a lot and I think that people are starting to consider me a striker," said Jones. "Just because I'm a striker doesn't mean that I don't have my wrestling base.

"My goal is to be an Anderson Silva with great wrestling and great jiu-jitsu."

UFC President Dana White recently stated that if Jones were to successfully get past Matyushenko that he would be closer to reaching the top of the division, but not yet worthy of a title shot. Jones noted that he just plans on staying focused while climbing the ranks.

"My goal is to make it towards the top and I realize that on your way to the top all this stuff is going to come with it. I'm just trying to play my cards right and just do what we do."

Jones faces Matyushenko this Sunday night at UFC Live on Versus: Jones vs. Matyushenko from the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, CA. As always, FightLine.com will be providing live coverage of the event.