UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones came closer than ever to losing the belt he’s never lost in competition, winning a split decision over Thiago Santos at UFC 239.
Junichiro Kamijo, a veteran judge with the Nevada Athletic Commission, had Santos winning the bout by a score of 48-47, awarding the Brazilian title challenger 10-9 marks in rounds 1, 2 and 4.
The remaining judges, Mike Bell and Derek Cleary, gave Jones the fight via 48-47 scores. Bell gave Jones 10-9 marks in rounds 2-4, while Cleary gave Jones the same scores in rounds 1, 2 and 4.
It was Jones’ second title defense since reclaiming the belt vacated by now-former two-division champ Daniel Cormier. Jones never lost the title in the octagon, but was stripped of the belt twice for a drug positive and hit-and-run accident.
According to official stats released by the UFC, Jones (25-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) landed 59 of 90 strikes attempted, or 66 percent, while Santos (21-6 MMA, 13-5 UFC) landed 43 of 166, or 26 percent. Jones outlanded Santos in head, body and leg strikes, as well as in distance and clinch strikes.
Despite his lead, Jones didn’t emerge unscathed. He took several hard leg kicks and was assisted out of the cage by his brother, NFL player Chandler Jones, and a promotion official.
Jones was a 6-1 favorite to defend his title in most betting lines. But after hearing a scorecard go the opposite direction, he acknowledged the close call.
For complete coverage of UFC 239, check out the UFC Results.
