UFC 239 featured a major change to International Fight Week, and major stakes -- which included Jon Jones' title, and his unofficial unbeaten record.
After a flurry from Marreta, Jones drops Santos with an elbow! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/Vc5lL55Yh1
— UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019
Jones went into Saturday's UFC 239 in Las Vegas officially 24-1 with one no contest, with his one loss coming via DQ almost a decade ago. With no signs of slowing down, he hoped to emerge unbeaten in a 14th consecutive championship fight, which would be a UFC record. In his way is a former middleweight in the midst of a light heavyweight streak of domination, Thiago Santos.
Jones opening up more now and landing hard shots! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/1N83g5wtTO
— UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019
Santos did well in the early going, and won the first round on the Fightful scorecards with some leg kicks and punches. Round two saw Santos look like he was hampered by an injury that slowed him down to the point Jones dropped him with a body kick. Jones turns up the head in round three. Round four was clearly Jones, with round five much closer.
In the end, Jones took home a split decision win, in one of his closest calls of his career and the first split decision of his career. Thiago Santos was the first person to win a scorecard against Jones, and the champion put Santos over for his toughness after the fight.
Santos would say that something in his knee went out in the first round, but he didn't want to make excuses for the loss.
You can check out our full UFC 239 coverage at this link, and make sure to tune in to our live post-show podcast as well. You can also see the Fightful MMA panel break down the event this Tuesday at 2 PM EST on the Fightful MMA Podcast.
