An uneventful Jon Jones fight week doesn't necessarily mean an uneventful Jon Jones fight night, as UFC 235 in Las Vegas showcased Saturday night.
Spinning back kick lands early in round 1 by @JonnyBones #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/8I3oH5JaoT
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Despite the fact that Jones won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2011, and has never lost, this was his first defense of the undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in over four years since facing Daniel Cormier in 2015. His opponent was a journeyman turned surging light heavyweight in Anthony Smith, who went from unranked to #3 over the course of just a few months.
That Cinderella run didn't have a happy ending. The skill discrepancy between one of the greatest fighters of all-time in Jones and his challenger in Smith was evident. From the opening bell until the end of the fight, it was domination on the part of Jones.
There was one scare in the fight for Jones -- his constant battle with the rules of MMA. An illegal knee he threw at the head of Smith resulted in being deducted two points in round 4. Ultimately, it didn't matter and Smith continued, making it to the scorecard. Jones would win unanimously.
The champ is cut!@LionheartASmith lands a right hand that cuts Jones! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/oULJtwfAQr
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Jones put over Smith heavily after the fight, particularly the apt nickname of "Lionheart."
Jones also set a new record, going unbeaten in 13 consecutive UFC Championship fights. He's a way's away from the the consecutive title fight victories record, since he had a "no contest" against Daniel Cormier in 2017.
Violent takedown from @JonnyBones! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/UGE28GYsGB
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
You can see Fightful's full, live coverage of UFC 235 at this link, and our post-show podcast at this link. Fightful's James Lynch is covering the event live, and will share his experience on Tuesday's Fightful MMA Podcast.
