Jon Jones entered the Octagon as confident as ever on Saturday, but he left it realizing he had just squeaked by in a fight with an opponent he’ll no doubt have to see again.
Never had the champion been taken down inside the Octagon heading into UFC 165, but Gustafsson grounded the champion in the first round. The challenger also shut down 10 of Jones’ 11 takedown attempts over five rounds.
It took a late surge from Jones in the fourth and fifth rounds to defend his championship. In having his hand raised on Saturday, he became the most dominant light heavyweight champion in UFC history, despite being less than dominant against Gustafsson.
Will Gustafsson receive an immediate rematch?
Here are the fights that should be next for Jones, Gustafsson and the rest of the UFC 165 competitors.