Anthony Johnson (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

The UFC’s light-heavyweight division continues to provide jaw dropping and compelling story lines, as now Jon Jones will take on Anthony Johnson, instead of Alexander Gustafsson for a second time.

Going into last night’s UFC on FOX 14 card, anyone who had seen Johnson fight in the last year or so, understood that the powerful fighter was a dangerous threat to Gustafsson’s title shot run. But, due to Gustafsson’s range, well rounded game, and the fact he’s the only man to truly push the champion “Bones”, many believed Jones-Gustafsson II was destined for the coming months.

Well, last night, not only did Johnson provide another violent demonstration of his fearsome power, he also showed that he’s more than capable of matching the footwork of one of the division’s most agile competitors. It was an impressive win for Johnson, and one that should get people debating whether he can be the one to end Jones’ storied reign.

“I knew I had a job to do. My goal is to win the title one day, so I knew I had to get through Gus,” Johnson was quoted saying in a FOX Sports press release. I had to make it ugly for him so people wouldn’t doubt me. Now, I’m going against the champ and they’re going to doubt me, so I have to prove them wrong, too.”

Since Jones has defeated Gustafsson, and is coming off a victory over the man who many believed would be his greatest challenge in Daniel Cormier, the champ will be the favorite when he battles Johnson. But, clearly, and understandably, Johnson is confident that his power and speed will prove to be the undoing of Jones.

“The same way I took Gus out, I’ll knock him out,” Johnson said to FOX Sports, when asked how he will defeat Jones. I’m going to do my best to take his head off.”

“Jon, keep your hands up, because if you don’t, it’s lights out.”

Jones-Johnson may not become the draw that Jones-Cormier was, but it certainly has the potential to be a huge fight for the promotion. If “Bones” defeats “Rumble”, the champion will have defeated four of the UFC’s top five ranked 205’ers. Phil Davis, who was decisioned by Ryan Bader, and likely won’t be ranked in the top five for much longer, is the only man Jones has not defeated in the top five.

So, in other words, if Jones’ reign continues, then the division’s title shot picture could be significantly short on storylines…