Jon JonesUFC 135UFCMMA.
," Jones said afterward. "I think we did that."
It was the striking that gave Jones the advantage for most of the fight, but he ended the fight with a submission, sinking in a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. Throughout the fight Jones was on a completely different level than Jackson. There was no question who the better fighter was.
"He's great," Jackson said afterward. "I thought it was hype. The kid is good. I take my hat off to him."
Jones, who has always had an unusual fighting style, came toward Jackson at the start of the fight in a low stance, almost like a lineman in football, and attempted to go for a takedown. Jones wasn't able to get Jackson down, but he was able to grab him and control him in the clinch against the fence.
Once they broke free of their clinch, Jones was working on using his significant reach advantage to stay out of harm's way and land kicks from the outside. Jones landed several kicks that Jackson had no answer for, and he also landed an impressive spinning elbow. At the end of the round Jones threw a dynamic spinning kick that could have given him a highlight reel knockout, but Jackson ducked under it and survived the round.
In the second round Jackson began to look more tentative about Jones' attack, backing away instead of going to the inside. Jackson also seemed to be affected by Jones' leg kicks, which were hammering away at Jackson's lead leg. At the end of the second round Jones jumped guard and attempted a triangle choke, although there wasn't enough time to get close to a submission.
A minute into the third round Jones went for a takedown and got it easily, immediately falling into side control and then transitioning into full mount. Jones landed a couple of hard elbows, cutting Jackson, although Jackson showed off a nice hip escape and got back to his feet. From there they exchanged strikes for the rest of the round, with Jones getting the better of the exchanges. At the very end of the third round Jones went low for a takedown, and when the horn sounded Jones threw Jackson off him, which seemed to anger Jackson.
Early in the fourth round Jones took Jackson down against the cage and got on top of him, then transitioned to his back beautifully, sunk in a rear-naked choke, and tightened it until Jackson submitted. As Jackson tapped, Jones calmly got up, then briefly celebrated at the center of the Octagon. After Jackson had a moment to recover, he walked over and hugged Jones, knowing he had just been beaten by a better fighter.
Jackson has nothing to be ashamed of. There may be no man alive who can beat Jones. He's a remarkable champion.
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UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson def. Aaron Riley via first-round TKO (broken jaw) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley suffers a broken jaw at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley tries to counter Tony Ferguson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson cracks the jaw of Aaron Riley with an uppercut at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch def. Nick Ring via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch raises his arms at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch tries a shoulderlock on Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch attacks the arm of Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Junior Assuncao ground and pounds Eddie Yagin at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin lands a left hand on Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin connects on a right hand at Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki def. Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki celebrates his win over Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki beats Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki punches Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Cole Escovedo kicks Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki crushes Cole Escovedo with a left hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna def. Ricardo Romero via KO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna knocks down Ricardo Romero at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz makes impact with a punch on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz slaps on a triangle choke on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne knees Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne climbs on top of Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne punches Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell walks to the back after his loss to Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt defeats Ben Rothwell via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt takes a breather after a three-round fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt looks to ground and pound Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt attempts an armbar on Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt goes behind Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt kicks Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell mounts Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell collides with Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck defeats Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
The referee attends to Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck celebrates his win over Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck shakes UFC matchmaker Joe Silva's hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes tries to grab Josh Koscheck at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck punches Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck are ready to fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Rashad Evans talks about being the next challenger for Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones relaxes after his win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones embraces Quinton "Rampage" Jackson after their fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones beats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones submits Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson takes a breather after the third round at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones fires punches at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones lands a front kick to the face of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a punch at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at the ribs of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick to the body of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson throws a punch at Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones receives corner advice for his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson receive final instructions before their title fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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