The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) had their 4th pay-per-view event on Saturday.
The much anticipated bout pegged light heavyweight champion Jon Jones against former middleweight contender Chael Sonnen. The event took place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, and captured the attention of UFC fans everywhere, despite Jones being a heavy favorite.
Tensions bled way into the night that ultimately was as Sonnen relied on his signature ‘WWE’ style of braggadocio to reel in an audience and stir the pot. Jones however, never let his mind waver on the goal at hand–defending his title and silencing Sonnen.
In addition to the main event the night featured a bevy of contentious undercards which were too, filled with their fair share of intrigue.
Jones-Sonnen:
Jones def. Sonnen via TKO in 1 round, 4:33
Bisping-Belcher
Michael Bisping def. Alan Belcher via technical decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Nelson-Kongo
Roy Nelson def. Cheick Kongo via knockout (punch) in 1 round, 2:03
Davis-Magalhaes
Phil Davis def. Vinny Magalhaes via unanimous decision(30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Healy-Miller
Pat Healy def. Jim Miller via submission (choke) in 3 rounds, 4:02
Unfortunately for UFC fan faithfuls Sonnen vs Jones turned out to be the predictable romp that it was feared to be. Jones easily outmatched the undersized Sonnen with a combination of takedowns and elbow strikes.
With the victory 25-year-old ‘Bones’ Jones ties Tito Ortiz’s record for most consecutive defenses of the UFC light heavyweight title, at five.
Jones sustained a brutal toe injury, which he didn’t even notice until he was celebrating his victory–speaks volumes. Meanwhile Sonnen is left pondering his future in the sport, as afterwards Sonnen offered up the following:
“I have no problem with the decision or the stoppage. He’s very powerful. When he went for the kill, he never stopped. I thought I was alright, but I think he’s the better fighter. … I’m not going to be one of the guys to hang around. If there’s not a road to the title, then this sport isn’t for me. I believe that was probably my last opportunity.”
While Sonnen’s career lays in doubt it is clear Jones’ only continues to soar. There’s been rumblings of a potential bout with Silva, but that remains to be seen. The victory was a much needed one for Jones, who finally his last doubter.