9:05 pm | July 6, 2019 | Go to Source | Author:
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Marc RaimondiESPN
LAS VEGAS — It was hardly a vintage Jon Jones performance. In fact, it was probably one of the most lackluster efforts in his long reign as UFC light heavyweight champion.
In the end, though, it was enough for Jones to win a split decision against a very tough Thiago Santos and retain his title in the main event of UFC 239 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
Two judges scored it 48-47 for Jones, while a third judge had it 48-47 for Santos.
Jones, regarded as perhaps the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter of all time, acknowledged afterward that Santos made him look “bad” and that Santos’ strategy of focusing on leg kicks to Jones’ calf was very effective.
“He did a really good job,” Jones said. “He exploited a hole in my game, and that’s something that won’t be there next time.”
Despite the nature of the win, Jones has now set the UFC record for the longest unbeaten streak at 17 (16-0 with one no contest). Jones tied Georges St-Pierre for the most UFC title wins at 13.
Santos said he injured his left knee in the first round, and he seemed to favor it throughout. However, Jones never realty took advantage of it and pushed the action, likely out of hesitation due to Santos’ prodigious punching power.
“I am so sorry,” Jones said afterward in the cage. “I know you guys are booing me. We all know that his best chance was to win by knockout. I played it smart.”
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