3 UFC Titles That Will Change Hands In 2019 (And 3 That Aren’t Going Anywhere)

Jon Jones can wrestle with the best of them, his striking is on point, and he has the longest reach in MMA (84.5"). If one had to try and build a perfect fighter, that fighter would look a lot like the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

As good as Jones is, he is also one of the most polarizing figures in the sport, due to various activities outside the cage. One thing that everyone can a agree on is that the reigning champ has had a rough go of it over the last few years.

He has been stripped of the UFC Light Heavyweight strap 3 times dating back to 2015. In fact, his title has been confiscated by the UFC brass after 3 of his last 4 fights, due to either failed drug tests or conduct violations. Even his most recent bout with Alexander Gustafsson had to be relocated due to inconsistencies with a drug test sample.

There doesn't appear to be anyone in the division, including his upcoming opponent Anthony Smith, with the skills required to defeat the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champ. Of course, as we have already seen, he doesn't need to be defeated in the cage to lose his title.

Jones is the only champion who is far more likely to lose his title outside the octagon than in it. 2019 could be the year Jon Jones manages to get his career back on track, it would be a nice change of pace, but it seems unlikely given his recent history.