Who’s the right “Ace” to defeat “The Joker” Jon Jones?

After just three years of MMA competition, Jon “Bones” Jones became the youngest Champion in UFC’s history. Jones defeated the PRIDE legend Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in an impressive fashion to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, proving everyone once again that “the hype is real”.

The Greg Jackson product is currently 7-1 in his Ultimate Fighting Championship campaign, defeating Andre Gusmao, Stephan Bonnar, Jake O’Brien, Brandon Vera, Vladimir Matyushenko and Ryan Bader on his way to the triumph against Shogun Rua at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. His only defeat comes via DQ (Straight Elbows) against Matt Hamill, in a fight that took place at the TUF 10 Finale event on Dec. 5th, 2009.

And since the majority of Jacks, Queens and Kings of the UFC Light Heavyweight division are behind him, here’s the list of four aces who may be on their way to challenging “The Joker” Jon Jones for his belt. As always, use the comments section to share your thoughts.

Ace of Spades: “Suga” Rashad Evans

Age: 31
Record: 15-1
Last Fight: Victory over Rampage Jackson at UFC 114
Next Fight: Jon Jones (date unknown)

Rashad Evans is officially next in line for Jon Jones. As Jon Jones‘ former Greg Jackson teammate, Rashad Evans will know a lot about his opponent, and will surely try to find an unorthodox approach for Jon Jones. Evans has a high level wrestling to his advantage and the required physical strength to deal with someone like Jones. “Suga” has also four TKO victories in the UFC, one of them against the former Champion Forrest Griffin at UFC 92.

Ace of Hearts: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

Age: 32
Record: 31-8
Last Victory: Victory over Lyoto Machida at UFC 123
Next Fight: Matt Hamill at UFC 130

Rampage was originally offered a title shot against Shogun Rua ahead of Jones, but was unable to cut weight in time and had to decline the offer. Jackson is one of the most physically strong fighters in the UFC 205 division, walking around at the “regular” weight of around 245 pounds. Rampage also has a ferocious knockout power that sent dozens of fighters out cold down to the canvas. In his next fight against Matt Hamill, Rampage will look to prove the quality of his takedown defense abilities, which cost him a victory against Rashad Evans at UFC 114.

Ace of Diamonds: Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis

Age: 26
Record: 8-0
Last Fight: Victory over Tim Boetsch at UFC 123
Next Fight: Rogerio Nogueira at Fight Night Seattle

Phil Davis is one of the most decorated wrestlers in the UFC, with no less than four NCAA Div. 1 All-American titles. Davis also has tremendous athletic capabilities, with sheer dominance in fights against Alexander Gustafsson, Brian Stann, Rodney Wallace and Tim Boetsch serving as a proof. Just like Jon Jones at the start of his UFC run, Phil Davis shows signs of pure MMA excellence, but is yet to be tested against the top tier UFC Light Heavyweights. This weekend’s Fight Night bout against Minotoro Nogueira will serve as a proving ground for Mr. Wonderful.

Ace of Clubs: Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida

Age: 32
Record: 16-2
Last Fight: Defeat against Rampage Jackson at UFC 123
Next Fight: Randy Couture at UFC 129

Next to Jones, Machida is the most unorthodox fighter in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. Machida’s movement and perfectly timed striking are a nightmare for any 205’er in the World, including someone like Jon Jones. “The Dragon” also proved he has a vicious knockout power, with brutal victories over Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva. And last but definitely not the least, Machida has a very strong camp in Black House, where fighters such as Anderson Silva and the Nogueira Brothers can prepare him for anything against Jon Jones.