Having received a positive diagnosis on his foot injury, plus a few days to digest the weekend, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has a new perspective on his successful title defense over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165.
According to a report on Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight, Jones initially believed an immediate rematch against Gustafsson would be the fairest outcome. However, after re-watching the fight “over 10 times,” Jones believes he decisively beat Gustafsson for at least three rounds, scoring rounds two, four and five for himself.
Judge Richard Bertrand agreed with Jones’ assertion, while judge Douglas Crosby gave Jones rounds three through five, and judge Chris Lee only awarded Gustafsson round one.
As such, the 26-year-old champion is now of the mind that the fairest outcome is for the next light heavyweight contender to get a shot at the belt. Though, if the UFC asks, Jones would welcome either route.
In addition, Gustfsson appeared on UFC Tonight to speak on the loss and say the UFC hadn’t yet contacted him regarding a rematch.
“I had a great fight until the end of the fourth (round), then he caught me with an elbow,” Gustafsson said. “That just took all my energy in the fifth round, so I didn’t have any gas left from that elbow.
“I’m feeling great, but at the same time I’ve never been this disappointed before. For me, it’s not like just having a good fight. I really wanted that belt, so it sucks.”
Gustafsson also noted that he was surprised to have become the first man to record a takedown against Jones.
“I saw an opportunity and I took it,” Gustafsson said. “It wasn’t that hard, actually. That’s why I was surprised.”
Jones complimented his foe’s tenacity and skill, but the champ also said that he felt 70-percent during the fight.
His foot injury, which was initially believed to be severe, was ultimately diagnosed by doctors as a deep bruise. Jones subsequently vowed to be 100-percent for his next fight, stating that he won’t entertain the thought of a new training camp until his body recovers in full.