8 Dream Fights For Jon Jones As A UFC Heavyweight
3. Derrick Lewis
I've already mentioned a potential path for Jones which could see him face Curtis Blaydes in his heavyweight welcome party, before going on to fight for the title should he win, but what if Derrick Lewis beats Blaydes in their expected fight in November? Perhaps it will be "The Black Beast" who gives Jones his initiation in the division.
Similar with most of these entries, the real interest comes from Jones' ability to handle the step up in power and strength he'll experience jumping up from light-heavyweight, and Derrick Lewis epitomises those two attributes. With 19 knockouts in his 24 career wins, Lewis has established himself as a powerhouse, holding the record for the most UFC KOs in the division. Along with some elite wrestling and menacing ground and pound, Lewis has the ability to compete with just about everyone, and his recent form has made him a real contender for Stipe Miocic's belt.
Along with the appealing contest between the vicious output we saw Lewis display against Aleksei Oleinik and Jones' habit to press forward and control the Octagon, this is perhaps a fight Jones may choose to pursue a finish by submission, something Daniel Cormier successfully accomplished against Lewis in 2018. As is the case with most heavyweight matchups, this one has so many potential outcomes and is a must for Jones' journey to becoming "The Baddest Man on the Planet".