UFC 165: Jon Jones survives biggest test -- Alexander Gustafsson
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Jon “Bones” Jones set a record Saturday night when he successfully defended his light-heavyweight championship at UFC 165 with a unanimous-decision victory over Sweden’s Alexander Gustafsson, who gave the New Yorker all he could handle at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
In a battle that left both mixed martial artists battered and bloodied, Jones fought off a sixth challenger to eclipse the previous light-heavyweight record he shared with Tito Ortiz.
It came at a cost. Both men left the arena and sought medical attention for their extensive injuries. Jones, though, had a victory by the narrowest of margins: 48-47, 48-47, 49-46.
He took to Twitter to thank his fans.
Thank you for everyone support. I felt a little off my game tonight but I learned alot about myself and I promise to come back better.— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 22, 2013
In his postfight interview, Jones said he learned some valuable lessons.
“Man, I’ll tell you what, I’ve been asking for a dogfight for a long time, and I finally got that dogfight I’ve been looking for,” said Jones, who improves to 19-1. “Tonight was a blessing in so many ways: got the victory, and I got to prove a lot to myself. I’m not satisfied, I’ve got a lot more work to do in the gym to stay on top of my game.”
Gustafsson (15-2) was a big underdog despite being the division’s No. 1 challenger. Most oddsmakers had Jones a 7-1 to 12-1 favorite.
Although UFC President Dana White didn’t guarantee a rematch, he did admit after UFC 165, “Who doesn’t want a rematch?”
Jones heaped plenty of praise on the big Swede.
“He was just a tough fighter,” Jones said. “I spent a lot of time on my boxing this camp and maybe that wasn’t the best idea. I should have been like water and used more versatility.
“I’ll tell you what, hats off to Alexander, that was by far my toughest fight, and I really had to exercise my warrior spirit tonight, which makes me more happier than getting the win. I felt really sloppy tonight. Alexander is very game -- that guy definitely has a chin on him.”
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Photos: UFC 165 from Canada Air Centre
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