Dan Henderson: Jon Jones won’t be able to stop Rashad Evans’ takedowns at UFC 145

“Don’t count out Rashad Evans. Everybody’s assuming it will be Jones, but Rashad is a good fighter too. Rashad got a lot of criticism for his last performance [against Phil Davis], but I thought he fought really well, really solid. Jon Jones is tough, but Rashad could definitely come out winning. He will definitely put Jones on his back if he fights like he did against Phil Davis. Rashad’s the better wrestler, it’s just that Jones is awkward. But Jones wouldn’t be able to stop him from taking him down for that long.

They have two different styles, two different fights. Rashad is good on his feet, good with his striking, and he would definitely try to put me on my back more than Jon Jones would. Jones is longer, kicks a little bit more, stays on the outside and is awkward, and that is something I would have to deal with.” – For more from Dan Henderson, visit ESPN.com

You shouldn’t count “Suga” out against Jon Jones.

At least, that’s Dan Henderson‘s take on the fight. According to the number-one contender, he was thoroughly impressed by Rashad Evans‘ victory over Phil Davis, and says that if the same fighter shows up in Atlanta, Jones won’t be able to keep himself off the mat for long.

A four-time NCAA Division I All-American at Penn State, Davis has often drawn comparisons to “Bones” due to his lanky-frame, and wrestling background. However, unlike the division champ, “Mr. Wonderful” found his rapid ascension up the the Light Heavyweight ranks cut short when he dropped a lopsided unanimous decision to Evans in January.

Set to meet the winner of the UFC 145 title bout, Henderson acknowledges the stylistic problems that Jones will present, but says Evans could “definitely” come out on top. So what’s the word LowKick’ers? Are there lessons to be learned from Rashad’s victory over Davis, or is Hendo comparing apples to oranges?

Further Reading: Dan Henderson was promised a title shot “months ago”

Photo: Scott Hirano