Jones (right) dominates Smith (left) at UFC 235. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufcnews
It was a ride! Jon Jones entered the octagon set up in Las Vegas (USA), on Saturday night (02), as a clear favorite to face Anthony Smith in the main fight of UFC 235. And in 25 minutes of duel, the light heavyweight champion had no difficulty in imposing his game and winning the fight with a calm unanimous decision from the judges.
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With the result, Jones scores his 23rd career victory and ninth defense of his light heavyweight belt – his second since returning from doping suspension.
Still in the octagon, Jones was asked why he didn't end the fight before regulation time. “MMA is a really difficult thing. Some days you will be amazing, and other days you won't perform at the level you expect. And now I see why they call him 'Lionheart,' this guy is tough,” Jon said.
The fight
Jones started the fight cautiously, waiting for the best moment to open his arsenal. Smith tried to impose his game and attacked first with a kick to the champion's legs. However, from this moment on, Jon began to control the fight. He connected with a beautiful round kick that hit Smith's abdomen. The blow clearly undermined the fighter's resistance. In the clinch, 'Bones' still abused the challenger's chin with shoulder punches.
More comfortable, Jones showed all his versatility in the second round. He threw rotating elbows, front stomps and the pressure game in the clinch. Despite not being effective, the champion had the duel under total control and didn't let Smith breathe.
Jones decided to change the pace of the fight in the third round and started working in search of takedowns. However, Smith showed that his defense was up to scratch. The fight was held in the clinch for a few seconds when the champion pinned his rival to the ground. Jon still landed good knees with his opponent in an inferior position.
Without being scared, Jones loosened up the game even more in the fourth round. Faced with a cornered rival, who couldn't find answers to his attacks, 'Bones' put pressure on with kicks to the waist, good punch combinations and even flying knees.
The only moment in which the victory of Jon Jones was threatened at the end of the partial, when he applied an illegal knee to Anthony. The referee interrupted the dispute, deducted two points from his count and threatened to disqualify the fighter in case of a repeat offense.
On the way back to the fifth round, Smith tried to surprise Jones and was in some danger with a right punch. But the champion defended well and cornered the challenger again. Taking no risks, Jones took the fight to the end and won a unanimous decision (48-44, 48-44-, 48-44).
UFC 235 results
MAIN CARD
Light Heavyweight: Jon Jones derrotou Anthony Smith in the unanimous decision of the judges (48-44, 48-44-, 48-44) – fight for the belt
Welterweight Weight: Kamaru Usman derrotou Tyron woodley in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-44, 50-44, 50-45) – fight for the belt
Welterweight: Ben Askren submitted Robbie Lawler with a tie 3m20s from R1
Straw weight: Weili Zhang derrotou Tecia torres in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Peter Munhoz derrotou cody garbrandt by knockout at 4m52s of R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Feather weight: Zabit Magomedsharipov derrotou Jeremy Stephens in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker defeated Misha Cirkunov by technical knockout at 36s of R1
Bantamweight: cody stmann derrotou Alejandro Perez in unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Welterweight Weight: Diego Sanchez derrotou Mickey gall by technical knockout at 4m13s of R2
Average weight: Edmen shahbazyan derrotou Charles byrd by technical knockout at 38s of R1
Bantamweight: Macy chiasson derrotou Gina Mazany by technical knockout at 1m49s of R1
Strawweight: Hannah Cifers defeated Polyana viana in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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