Point of interest: Crucial clinch warfare
Considering where the biggest possible skills disparity lies on paper, one can’t help but wonder if Jones will attempt/be able to take this fight to the floor.
Despite a limited sample size to draw from, Reyes – who was a decorated wrestler in high school – demonstrates solid wrestling chops in transit, whether he is using fundamentals to defend takedowns or exercising what appears to be a more than serviceable takedown game (both in the open and against the fence). Although I’m not sure how viable offensive wrestling options will be against Jones, I do believe his defense could present problems.
Reyes shows absurd athleticism and balance from multiple positions that have bailed him out before and, more importantly, appears to be hard-wired to properly scramble with immediacy whenever in disadvantageous spots (something that I suspect he can thank his grappling coach Joe Stevenson for). And if the 30-year-old talent finds himself working from topside, he displays solid rides and decision making in regards to when he should sink in his hooks and commit to a position.
Nevertheless, if Reyes means to either deter or get himself into any advantageous grappling positions in this fight, then he will first have to safely navigate past the proven monster that is Jones’ clinch game.
Even against Cormier, a world-class wrestler and all-time MMA clinch artist in his own right, Jones was able to shut down his offense in close by utilizing creative wrist controls to disrupt the former light heavyweight champion’s game and open up his own.
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Using his long frame to multitask inside the clinch, Jones can implement wrenching over-hooks (a la the ones that famously injured Glover Teixeira’s shoulder), all while using his free hand to either strike or help secure wrist-feeds to his over-hooking hand. This intricate tie-up also allows Jones the leverage to come over the top with elbows regardless of whether he is still holding onto wrists.
For those who have not wrestled or grappled in some form, wrist control is the unsung gatekeeper of advancing position, as a solid hand-fighter can befuddle even the best of grapplers.
Whether it be in the clinch or on the floor, Jones’ hand-fighting skills and positional understanding allows him to almost mimic one of those pictures of a giant squid consuming a ship – simultaneously denying his opposition space while taking them into deeper and deeper of waters.
Next point of interest: Odds, opinion and prediction