UFC 145 Results: Key Takeaways from Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans

In another dominant performance, Jon Jones retained his UFC light heavyweight championship against Rashad Evans at UFC 145. 

The emotionally charged fight that has been building for a year is finally in the books with Jones getting the better of his former teammate.

Jones was able to use his diverse striking and great defense to out-work Evans through the 25-minute fight. 

Although Evans was outclassed by Jones, he did prove to be his toughest challenge, becoming the first man to go a full five rounds with Jones. 

Here are some key takeaways from this bout. 

What We'll Remember About This Fight

We'll remember two things from this fight. 

One is the year-long buildup to it. 

From Jones stepping in for Evans to face Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, to Evans leaving Team Jackson, to the war of words and exchanges between the two, this fight had one of the biggest buildups in UFC history. 

As far as the fight itself goes, we will remember yet another dominant performance from Jones. 

There were slight moments when he got hit hard or did something questionable (like pulling guard at the end of the fight), but overall, Jones made it look like he had another easy fight. 

What We Learned About Rashad Evans

We've seen Evans in heated feuds before, but this one was clearly the most personal battle he's ever been in. 

Evans appeared to be nervous and hesitant, and he was just plain outclassed throughout the fight. 

While he did land a couple of great shots that may have had Jones a little hurt, Evans was not able to capitalize on them. 

It was one of the few times that Evans was not able to land a takedown as well in a fight. 

Evans is a tough fighter; as proof of that, he went a full five rounds with Jones. But the emotions surrounding the fight may have got the best of him. 

What We Learned About Jon Jones

Unlike Evans, Jones appeared calm throughout the fight. 

We already knew just how dominant Jones could be. But with so much emotion and buildup surrounding the fight, Jones took it as just another day at the office. 

Jones once again had his chin challenged. After stepping away from Evans, though, Jones regained his composure and stuck with his game plan. 

Last night, Jones proved that he is one of the most focused MMA fighters in the game today, and there may not be anything that stops that. 

What's Next for Rashad Evans?

Evans now has to start the climb back up the light heavyweight division ladder. 

Evans' only two losses have come to Lyoto Machida and Jon Jones, so he has the ability to get there again. 

Since he has already faced many of the top fighters in the division, a matchup with Ryan Bader or Alexander Gustafsson may be next for Evans if he wants to get up the division rankings quickly. 

What's Next for Jon Jones?

With the win over Evans out the way, Jones is lined up to take on yet another former world champion in Dan Henderson. 

The UFC's youngest champion will defend against a man who, if he wins, will be the UFC's oldest current champion. 

Henderson is one of the toughest guys in MMA history, having never been knocked out and only submitted three times. 

Henderson has more experience than Jones has ever faced and could be his toughest opponent thanks to his heavy hands and wrestling background. 

It should make for an interesting and exciting matchup.