Jon Jones Retains UFC Light-Heavyweight Title: Recapping the UFC 140 Main Event

One of the biggest lessons that I've learned in life is that a lot can change in a very short period of time.

Ten months ago, Jon "Bones" Jones, a rising star in the UFC light-heavyweight division, was taking on his first top-10 opponent—the undefeated, All-American wrestler Ryan Bader.

In that 10-month span, Jones defeated Bader and three former champions. He capped that run with an unbelievable finish of former champion Lyoto Machida.

In a fight that started with both men feeling each other out, Jones appeared to be playing right into Machida's hands. Unsurprisingly, Jones proved to be the aggressor. He began with some kicks to Machida's legs.

As he pushed forward, Machida defended well and landed several counterstrikes. Jones continued to use his bag of tricks, including his spinning back kick. However, Machida, a karate expert, was not fooled.

Pressing forward, Jones began to mimic Machida's hand movements almost mockingly. Machida then connected with a perfectly timed punch that rattled Jones, but the champion was able to recover.

In the second round, Jones did a better job of limiting Machida's mobility by cutting off the ring. After an impressive takedown, "Bones" stayed true to his name and split Machida's head open with an elbow from top position.

Later in the round, Jones continued his pursuit and caught Machida with a beautiful right hand that knocked the challenger back towards the cage.

As Machida's back pushed against the cage, Jones used his height and reach advantage to lock in a standing guillotine choke that ultimately rendered Machida unconscious.

Jones has finished arguably the greatest year of any fighter in mixed martial arts history. Not only has he defeated four of the divisions best fighters, he has done so in an impressive and convincing manner.

While it appears that Machida gave Jones his toughest challenge to date, the 24-year-old champion proved several things in this fight:

• He can take a punch.
• He can adapt to any style.
• He will be champion for quite a while.

What a difference a year makes!

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