5 Reasons Jon Jones Is Already The Greatest MMA Fighter In History

3. The Modern Era

MMA is a sport that is constantly evolving, faster than practically any other form of athletic competition. This can largely be chalked up to it still being relatively young in its existence, only truly becoming part of the public consciousness in 1993. If you look at fighters from as little as 5 years ago, techniques and skillsets have already tremendously evolved. A guy like Matt Hughes, who was as dominant as they come for a long stretch less than a decade ago would likely get eaten alive by the majority of today's top fighters. And we've seen what happens when previously nigh-unbeatable legends like Royce Gracie and Mark Coleman step into the cage with the younger generation. It isn't pretty. The current crop of mixed martial artists are stronger, faster, smarter and better trained than ever before, and they're more prepared to excel in an ever-evolving sport that sees championship contenders become washed up has-beens in the span of a fight or two. And Jon Jones is cakewalking through opponents in the most talented era we've seen thus far.