Aug 2, 2017
It happened. After a long
and troubled hiatus from the sport of mixed martial arts,
Jon Jones
finally returned at UFC
214. No sport has ever missed an
athlete more than MMA missed Jones these last two years—the one man
perfectly suited for its unique and exacting demands. In regaining
his title, Jones dethroned Daniel
Cormier, and further cemented his
status as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
On this week’s episode of
Heavy Hands, we break down the fascinating back-and-forth that was
this fight. We discuss Jones’ brilliant strategic mind, his firm
grasp of initiative and mental warfare. Of course, for us, his win
is bittersweet—because it is also Daniel Cormier’s loss. But while
wrestling with the tragic aspect of this fight, we also get a
chance to discuss the brilliant tactics which Cormier had prepared
for his arch-rival. Everyone learns something on this
very special episode of Heavy Hands (cue heartwarming
sitcom music).
But that’s not all! Oh no.
UFC 214 was loaded with exciting and meaningful fights, and we get
into nearly all of them. The championship wins of
Tyron Woodley and
Cris Cyborg. The triumphant return
of Robbie
Lawler, and the still-surprising
adroitness of Donald
Cerrone at welterweight. The
continued, unlikely run of Volkan
Oezdemir, now knocking at Jones’
door (while Jones looks toward Brock
Lesnar and the heavyweight
division). Lamas, Sterling, Ortega, Katter—it’s all here, folks. It
was a great card, and it led to a lot of great discussion. We hope
you enjoy it.