Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, has made it clear that he believes he has figured out the key to defeating the mighty Francis Ngannou. After dominating the UFC light heavyweight division for years and cementing his legacy with wins over elite fighters, Jones has now set his sights on the heavyweights, and many believe he has cracked the code to beating the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, Ngannou.

Jones recently made headlines by stating that the key to surviving Ngannou’s explosive power is simply to survive Round 1. While this may seem like an oversimplified approach to a fighter known for his complex strategy and well-rounded skill set, there is logic behind Jones’ words. Ngannou, with his unprecedented knockout power, has earned a reputation for finishing opponents early, often in the first round, with his ferocious strikes. His sheer physicality and strength have made him a feared force in the UFC.

Jones’ analysis is rooted in his deep understanding of the fight game. Over the years, he has faced and defeated some of the most dangerous fighters in the world, including Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Jones knows that surviving the early onslaught is crucial when facing a fighter like Ngannou, who thrives on quick finishes. If Jones can weather the storm in the opening round, he believes his skill set and fight IQ will allow him to take over the later rounds, where Ngannou has been known to slow down.

But while surviving Round 1 may be the initial hurdle, it’s what happens after that will be critical in determining the outcome of the fight. Jones has always prided himself on his ability to adjust and outsmart his opponents, and against someone as dangerous as Ngannou, it will be no different. The first round may be all about survival, but once Ngannou’s power begins to fade, Jones will look to capitalize on his strengths—his wrestling, clinch game, and cardio.

Jones’ wrestling could be a game-changer against Ngannou. While Ngannou is a powerhouse striker, his grappling has often been seen as a weakness. Jones, a skilled wrestler with incredible fight IQ, could look to take Ngannou down and control him on the ground. If Jones can impose his grappling in the later rounds, Ngannou’s lack of experience in these situations could play a pivotal role. Jones’ clinch work, which has proven effective in many of his previous fights, could also be key in wearing down Ngannou and neutralizing his striking power.

In addition to wrestling, Jones’ cardio is often considered one of his greatest assets. Ngannou, on the other hand, has shown some signs of fatigue in his previous fights, particularly when the bout extends beyond the first round. Jones’ ability to maintain a high pace and continue pressing forward could wear Ngannou down over time, leading to openings for strikes or submissions. If Jones can keep the fight at a high intensity, forcing Ngannou into deep waters, he will likely have the advantage as the fight progresses.

Of course, while Jones may have a strategy for overcoming Ngannou, there’s no denying the raw power that Ngannou brings to the octagon. If Ngannou lands cleanly, it could be lights out for anyone, including Jones. The challenge for Jones will be to stay elusive, avoiding Ngannou’s devastating shots while still implementing his game plan. This is no easy task, but Jones has proven time and again that he is capable of executing a game plan even in the face of immense danger.

The fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou is one of the most anticipated matchups in UFC history. If Jones can indeed survive the opening round and implement his grappling, cardio, and fight IQ in the later rounds, he will have the tools to defeat Ngannou. However, if Ngannou’s knockout power remains unchecked, Jones could find himself on the receiving end of one of the most brutal finishes in MMA. Only time will tell if Jones’ strategy will work, but it’s clear that the fight will be an epic clash of two elite fighters with vastly different styles.