I’m not sure UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones could rise any higher than he already was, but the performance and toughness he displayed on Saturday night was amazing.
Not only did he manhandle one of the best wrestlers in the sport at his own game, but he also did so in part with a severely broken big toe, per Mike Whitman of Sherdog.com.
Champion is the top of the food chain for tangible honors, but doing an interview with Joe Rogan after breaking his toe had to raise Jones’ level on the machismo meter.
This guy is a beast. MMA fans should enjoy his brilliance while they have the privilege of watching him compete.
Jones’ dominant performance stands out in a major way from Saturday night, but he wasn’t the only fighter who raised his stock at UFC 159.
Roy Nelson
Big Country destroyed Cheick Kongo on Saturday. Kongo isn’t exactly Cain Velasquez, but there is no denying how good Nelson looked.
The right hand he landed on Kongo in the first round was enormous, but the way Nelson controlled Kongo against the cage was just as impressive.
Referee Kevin Mulhall actually separated the two men prematurely earlier in the round. Nelson was working toward a takedown and top position, but that momentum was disturbed.
In the end it didn’t matter.
Nelson earned KO of the Night with his scary display of power. With three straight wins by KO, Nelson is inching closer to a shot at the title.
Phil Davis
There was a ton of jawing between Davis and Vinny Magalhaes leading up to their clash on Saturday. Davis was the only man that backed up his talk.
Mr. Wonderful won a unanimous decision over Magalhaes with a blend of striking and takedown defense. Davis would not allow himself to be pulled into Magalhaes‘ world of jiu-jitsu.
His wrestling expertise allowed him to fend off Magalhaes‘ overtures. Davis was content to dismantle his opponent with strikes.
He showed a good amount of diversity on Saturday night. After such an impressive submission victory over Wagner Prado in his last fight, it was good to see Davis win a fight almost entirely because of his stand up.
He looks to be two or three wins away from getting his shot at Jones.
Pat Healy
Healy‘s performance was surprising. Miller’s toughness and power seemed to make him the favorite in this fight coming in.
Instead, it was Healy‘s grit and determination that led to a win by technical submission. It was a grueling fight and both men had their moments. But Healy locked in the rear-naked choke late in the third round to take the victory.
This was a great way for Healy to return to the UFC. He hadn’t fought in the promotion since 2006. Miller is a tough opponent, so defeating him will garner Healy plenty of respect at 155 pounds.
He instantly becomes a player in perhaps the UFC’s most-talented division.
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