UFC 165 saw UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones break Tito Ortiz’s record of five successful title defenses, winning a narrow decision against a game challenger in Alexander Gustafsson.
The back-and-forth battle exceeded all expectations, with each competitor bloodying and battering one another, fighting through adversity until the final bell rang after 25 minutes of non-stop action.
The instant classic has earned both Gustafsson and Jones a ton of respect, and undoubtedly new fans, from the fight community, with pundits practically on their knees begging for an immediate rematch.
While it remains to be seen if the UFC goes in that direction, one thing not up for debate is Jones vs. Gustafsson was one of the best fights of 2013.
Where does the fight rank among other classic bouts of the year? Take a look at where the title fight ranks among the year’s most epic wars inside the cage.