UFC 135 Results: What We Learned from Jon Jones vs Rampage Jackson

At UFC 135, it was another barrier obliterated for Jon "Bones" Jones. In his first defense of the UFC light-heavyweight title, Jones (14-1) defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (32-9) by submission due to rear naked choke at 1:14 of the fourth round.

Here's what we learned following another virtuoso performance from Jones.

What we'll remember about this fight:

That in his first successful title defense, Jones defeated a Rampage who was in the best condition, physically and mentally, that he has been in for a long time.

Right away, Jones seemed intent on preemptively erasing any asterisks. He stood toe to toe with Jackson and used his staggering 11.5-inch reach advantage to inflict damage while keeping Rampage from finding his range. He put on a well-rounded and sustained effort that lasted into the championship rounds.

It will be hard for even the most psychologically challenged Jones detractors to find a way to downgrade this effort.  

What we learned about Jon Jones:

Other than that he is unequivocally the best light-heavyweight on planet Earth?

It is that he is a learning computer. It was clear from the outset that Jones knew Jackson's weaknesses and would exploit them. The clearest cases in point were the leg kicks he threw repeatedly in an amped-up version of the same game plan Forrest Griffin used to defeat Rampage in 2008.

Jones threw leg kicks from the inside, outside and straight on, even appearing to hyperextend Jackson's knee on one or two occasions. He also stayed clear of Jackson's punching power by using the aforementioned reach and taking the fight to the ground at strategic moments, including on the occasion that led to the tapout.

What we learned about Quinton Jackson:

That he is far from finished in the Octagon.

Jackson looked better than he had in years. The fire was back in his eyes. He fought bravely, and though he was ultimately unable to find a home for his vaunted right hand, it wasn't for a lack of trying.

Here's hoping Jackson finds a way to keep his motivation. If he does, there's no telling how much longer he can keep fighting, and winning.

What's next for Jon Jones?

No secret here: Rashad Evans.

Evans strode into the Octagon after the fight, and the two shared a very icy (and clearly unscripted) exchange. Evans may be the only man standing between Jones and very, VERY long title reign. That's going to be a good one.

What's next for Quinton Jackson?

After the fight, Jackson asked the UFC to match him up with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua when the UFC returns to Japan next February. Who wouldn't love to see that?

Be sure to check out Bleacher Report for all things UFC 135. B/R is your home for MMA, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, and post-fight analysis...which you can check out at our event hub.