T. Goodlad/Sherdog.com
Boxers are very good at what they do: what they do just isn’t that layered. That sport is a two-point attack: MMA offers eight points (hands, elbows, knees, feet), and athletes like Cung Le, Georges St. Pierre, and now Jon Jones are composing attacks you’d normally only see in an arcade.
There is much hype behind Jones, a tall, 22-year-old athlete from Upstate New York who seemed to spring out of nowhere last January to hand Stephan Bonnar a surprising beating. Jones has lots of fast-twitch fibers, the hallmark of a wrestler, and his movements seem inspired by ballet: he pivots, spins, and changes levels with incredible ease.
Matt Hamill, a 2-1 underdog in most betting outlets, is slower but brings punches up from the floor. Jones dances; Hamill’s planted. On the ground, Jones is unlikely to control him in the manner he has other athletes: Hamill is a three-time NCAA wrestling champion. It’s a good fight, and a better win -- if Jones can manage it.
Might Look Like: Hamill’s fight with Michael Bisping, with Hamill landing more effective shots to Jones’ busier, peppering counter-attack.
Wild Card: What training with the hired killers at Greg Jackson’s has done for Jones. (Strong possibility: something good.)
Who Wins: Hamill is a proven problem, but Jones can play his game -- the tough wrestler with limited fight experience -- and do it with a decade’s worth of wind and speed in his favor. (Hamill is 33.) Jones by decision.