Jon Jones wants no freebies–wants the Best

While Jon Jones has faced the toughest opposition of his career most recently, he’s made it look easy and efficient.

Even in a losing effort (albeit a disqualification) to TUF veteran Matt Hamill, Jones looked every bit as dominant as he has in wins over perennial contender’s Brand Vera and most recently, Vladimir Matyushenko.

It’s hard to say what will be next for the 205-pound wrestling stud, but Jones in the mean time is enjoying his most recent triumph none the less, which now moves him to 11-1 overall, and marks his fifth win, inside the octagon.

“It’s very exciting. Vladimir (Matyushenko) has the best record I’ve ever gone against”, said Jones while speaking with Sherdog.com in regards to the win.

“It’s an honor for me. It’s a testament to all my hard work and passion for this sport. It’s just great. My goal is to keep climbing from here, and that’s what I’m trying to do”.

UFC President Dana White has stated on several occasions, that a win over Matyushenko would not only garner Jones top billing in the light heavyweight division, but a crack into the top-8 of the weight class. Jones, though, is a little bit hungrier, and won’t settle for less than a top-5 opponent in his next bout.

“My fight’s have been going real well…but not to sound arrogant, that’s the last thing I would ever want, but these fight’s have been going real fast”, said the Greg Jackson product.

“I think it will take a top-5 guy to make it a great fight, and that’s what I’m looking for. I’m looking for that war, I’m looking for that experience, and a top-5 guy would be good for me, I feel”.

While Jon hopes for a top tier opponent, it would be hard to imagine who will be available in the not-so distant future. Everyone seems to be tied up with fights, or injured. But for arguments sake, the light heavyweight picture, the top-5 at 205 in the UFC (below the champion, Mauricio Rua), are the following in my opinion: Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Anderson Silva, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueria.

Lyoto Machida and Rampage will be tied up soon.

Rashad Evans and Jones train together, so that’s a no, no.

Anderson Silva has stated on several occasions that at the moment, has no desire to fight at 205, and in all honesty, may be a little bit more than Jones can chew at the moment.

Antonio Nogueria is on tap to face Ryan Bader…

Well, how about Forrest Griffin? Now that, would be a fight.

So, what do you guys think? Should Jones hold out for some of the upper echelon guys, or wait till Forrest is done kissing babies, and signing autographs on his book tour (while he’s healing up from injury)?