UFC: Jon Jones retains light heavyweight title

JON “Bones” Jones (right) retained his light heavyweight belt via a split decision win against Brazilian Thiago Santos. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA Today Sports)

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

JON “Bones” Jones defended his light heavyweight belt via a split decision win against Brazilian Thiago Santos in the Ultimate Fighting Championship 239 held at T-Mobile arena, Las Vegas, Nevada on July 7, 2019.

Jones had a hard time with Santos who swarmed the best pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighter with heavy leg kicks, forcing the champion to switch his stance numerous times.

In the second round, Jones landed a savage leg kick that injured Santos’ leg, limiting him to short movements.

As the rounds progressed, Jones dropped Santos with a pin-point elbow in the third and the crowd went wild chanting “Vintage Bones.”

Santos had his moments, surprising the crowd and Jones with his late flurry of attacks but the leg injury bothered him for most of the fight.

Jones once again proved why he’s tagged as the best ever to do it.

A rematch remains uncertain as Jones is slowly getting his wish in going up to the heavyweight division to face his nemesis, Daniel Cormier.