[The Tens] 10 Questions About Jon Jones & “Rampage” Jackson’s UFC 135 Title Fight

The UFC returns to its birthplace of Denver, Colo. shortly before its 18^th birthday with UFC 135 live on pay-per-view from the Pepsi Center.

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones began the year with an impressive contender win, only to be shocked with the surprise that an injury to (then) teammate Rashad Evans opened up a no. 1 contender position against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. “Bones” made the most of it, seizing the gold in less than 15 minutes, setting up his first title defense against former undisputed 205-pound kingpin Quinton “Rampage” Jackson this Saturday night.

A perfect 3-0 in 2011 would be a dreamlike scenario for the youngest champion in UFC history, but “Rampage” expects to derail the Jon Jones hype train by punching a hole in it recapturing a belt he never felt he lost. Before “The Voice of the Octagon” Bruce Buffer introduces the main event, The Well Versed poses ten questions that should be answered by the final bell.

1) Is Rashad Evans right or speaking with emotion?

Rashad Evans, a former training partner of Jon Jones, has faced “Bones” countless hours in the gym and spent 15-minutes in the Octagon with Quinton Jackson (successfully). “Sugar” has gone on record picking Jones, who has become as much a foe to him as Jackson has been. The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion will face Saturday night’s victor next so his interest in the bout is significant. Does he know something observers don’t having tangled with both or is he voicing what he would like to see happen for the benefit of his own career?

2) Does Jon Jones believe his own hype?

Hype is love and attention without the pre-requisite achievements. Thankfully for Jon Jones, he holds the gold. The hype surrounding “Bones” is exceptional even for fighting sport standards. This is a combatant that signed autographs “Champion 2011,” before he even held the belt. Now that he has it, has that confidence transformed to every prodigy’s downfall: cockiness?

3) Just how focused is Quinton Jackson?

Quinton Jackson didn’t come into his camp for Jon Jones out of shape like he’s developed a reputation for doing over the years. He’s training at high-altitude to ensure he will be ready for 25-minutes at a mile high. Accused by Jones of being a paycheck fighter, Jackson’s seeming lack of interest has been related to non-title affairs and distractions unrelated to fighting—both issues that are not present in this fight.

4) Why is “Rampage” such an underdog?

The Tennessee native was competing at the highest levels of the sport internationally before Jones graduated high school.

As high as a 7-to-1 underdog, but steadily around -450, lack of momentum due to a controversial decision against Lyoto Machida and an unimaginative performance versus Matt Hamill comprise the back-to-back wins Jackson rides into the Octagon. That buries the fact that Quinton Jackson was once the no. 1 light heavyweight in the world, having earned no. 1 pound-for-pound ranking after dethroning Chuck Liddell and defeating PRIDE 205-pound champion Dan Henderson for his first—and only—successful title defense. The skills he employed to reach that pinnacle haven’t disappeared. It’s been a matter of motivation and by all accounts, that’s not the problem Jackson faces against the confident young champion.

5) What do media appearances tell us about mindset?

When Jon Jones and Quinton Jackson shared the stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live (next to Dr. Phil funny enough), Jones was the spotlight. Jackson was not without his usual cheeky personality, but Jones’ position as an ideal brand ambassador left the former champion without the usual engagement he brings to his appearances. Jones fits the role perfectly; however, the toll that takes on focus is something Jackson knows all-too-well.

Jackson admits to being a mental fighter and hasn’t shown any signs of flinching or bravado leading up this bout. He’s usually confrontational when out of it. Being counted out by Jones and odds makers works in Jackson’s favor here. However, if Spygate—his accusations that Jones had a plant in his camp—is indeed a figment of Jackson’s imagination, it signals a paranoia that Jones is everything he is cracked up to be.

For Jones, performing in the cage after passing through media obligations with easily quotable sound bites fulfills the prophecy he has put forth as the future of the 205-pound division in-and-out of the Octagon.

6) Can Jon Jones overcome adversity in the Octagon?

Jon Jones has destroyed his last six opponents, last going the distance in January 2009. That’s why he’s so impressive, but also why many questions remain about his ability to take a punch, deal with adversity and have the cardio to sustain a 25-minute battle: all elements Jackson has proven capable of and challenges Jones with on Saturday night.

7) How will Jon Jones amaze?

Every Jon Jones fight plays out like a one-sided highlight reel. Against a gritty veteran like “Rampage,” it’s likely to be more competitive. That means we may be exposed to more tools he hasn’t had time to employ.

8) Better corner man: Greg Jackson or 12-years experience?

Greg Jackson earned the name Yoda from his fighters for his vast knowledge. The Albuquerque-based trainer has given Jones the directions necessary for his ascent. No matter the famed coach’s guidance, Jones is still only three years into his career versus Jackson’s 12. It takes years in addition to rare talent to be a mistake-free fighter like Jones’ teammate, welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. Jones certainly is a rare talent; it’s a matter of overcoming time–a tall task for anyone.

9) Who has more to lose?

Jon Jones is a threat to “Rampage” Jackson in a way no one else at light heavyweight can be—he’s a marketing threat. Jackson took the torch from Chuck Liddell as the face of the UFC’s historically marquee division. Jones has crossover appeal—a Tim Tebow-like reach—and age on his side. If he loses, every sign points to a strong rebound. For Jackson, a loss puts him behind Rashad Evans and the winner of Dan Henderson-Mauricio Rua before he can think about gold again, undercutting his star stock too.

10) Does the clinch decide the fight?

Jon Jones’ 84.5 reach—the longest in the UFC—is proving impossible to counter. Jackson is a power puncher with the best stalk-forward boxing in the game. Notorious for his impactful slams, “Rampage” is difficult to manage in the clinch due to his strength, wrestling and dirty boxing. His ability to get inside and do damage once he’s there poses unique threats to Jones, who has unique judo throws and sufficient top control with lethal elbows.

Whoever controls the clinch takes the bout—if it ever gets there.

Listen to Danny Acosta every Thursday on Sirius Fight Club (Sirius 94, XM 208). Follow him on twitter.com/acostaislegend