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#5 Light Heavyweight Title (205 lbs): Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson
While it was difficult to compose ourselves after the monumental co-main event, as Bruce Buffer famously says, the main event was what we'd all been waiting for.
Round 1: And we got underway. Jones shot for takedowns in the early goings of the fight but got stuffed by Gustafsson. Both men looked to get their range in place as Jones landed a knee to the groin that caused a momentary break.
Jones got his usual game going as he peppered Gustafsson with the oblique kicks, straight kicks to the body and occasional knees. Gustafsson though kept pressing forward as Jones continued to create the space with front kicks.
Jones went for the clinch a couple of times and shot for a single leg but it was a lazy effort that was countered with ease. Gustafsson and Jones traded a few shots in the clinch before created distance again. Gus went for the superman punch while Jones attempted an overhead kick.
It was a cautious round as both men focussed on reading each other's range. The round came to an end with Jones probably getting a slight edge on the scorecard. 10-9 Jones
Round 2: Jones connected with a nice body kick followed by an inside leg kick. He swung wildly as Gus ducked but Jones connected with another solid body kick.
At this point, he was outstriking Gus by a 2:1 margin. Jones went for another takedown but Gus stuffed it yet again. Bones kept up with his left body kicks as Gus looked to get into range to bang.
The doctor was called in after Gus poked Jones in the eye. The alleged eye-poker got a taste of his own medicine. Gus received a warning and the fight continued. Gus finally found his rhythm as his combos got smoother but he still found it tough to reach Jones.
Gus kept up with the pressure as he shifted between straight lefts to the body and jabs to the face. Jones answered with kicks to the body as well as low and oblique kicks.
Jones got an elbow, an uppercut followed by a missed left cross. Jones continued to wear down Gus' left leg, which seems to be hurt due to the volume of kicks. Jones ended the round with a kick to the body. The fight hadn't been as explosive as their first outing but we were just two rounds in, so it would hopefully get better.
10-9 Jones
Round 3: Gus' left shin was significantly swollen heading into the third round as Jones landed a solid left to begin. He shot for the takedown and got it this time. Jones connected with some vicious elbows from the top.
Jones masterfully controlled the proceedings on the ground. He moved from half guard to side control and then to a half nelson to pin Gus down. He looked to be setting up a rare-naked choke but rose and unleashed some nasty ground and pound. Referee Mike Beltran stepped in and stopped the contest.
And new!
Final Result: Jones def. Gustafsson via TKO (2:02 of round 3)
Jones came in with a great strategy as he wore down Gustafsson's left leg for the first two rounds. He attacked Gus' left leg and got the takedown and once the fight was on the ground, it was all Jones' fight to finish.
The polarizing star has reclaimed the belt he never lost and while many may still criticize him for being a cheat and an all-out sociopath, it's inarguable that the 30-year-old is one of the most gifted fighters of all time.
In the post-fight interview, Jones called out the Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier, telling him to come back down to Light Heavyweight and reclaim his title to prove that he was the "Champ champ".
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