Video: Jon Jones 'UFC Magazine' cover photo shoot sneak peak

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones is the 21st Century version of legendary boxing icon Muhammed Ali?

Michael Muller, photographer, seems to think so:

"Jon is our 21st Century Muhammed Ali in my opinion, and we're taking him underwater and kind of putting my spin on it."

Indeed, Muller coaxed the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion's youngest world champion ever to hop in a pool and put a modern spin on a classic concept. One that Jones didn't seem to mind:

"Muhammed Ali is one of the best of all-time. So to be compared to him, and to have opportunities like this, it's mind-blowing. I'm extremely grateful for it and I'm going to continue to work hard so more things come like this."

Jones, of course, took time out of his training schedule to swim, smile and light his fight gloves on fire, all for the sake of art. When he's not modeling, or walking down Brazilian catwalks, he's preparing to defend his 205-pound title against nemesis Rashad Evans later this month (April 21, 2012) at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

If he has his way, he'll keep smiling once he walks down the Octagon steps on fight night.

Check out the classic pic of Ali after the jump and lets us know how you think Jones stacks up:

For more on "Bones'" upcoming title defense, Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans, in the UFC 145 main event be sure to check out our complete fight archive right here.