Jon Jones Dismantles Alexander Gustafsson, Finishes with Third Round KO at UFC 232
Jon Jones now has a second win over Alexander Gustafsson except this time he made it look rather easy.
Following their first fight that turned into a five round epic back in 2013, Jones was determined to prove that Gustafsson wasn’t on his level in the rematch. Getting into the cage together again wasn’t easy, however, as UFC 232 was moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on just six days notice after Jones dealt with an adverse drug test result that prevented him from being cleared to fight in Nevada.
Ultimately, Jones was cleared of any wrong doing but the whole event still had to be relocated. Thankfully all of the out of the cage distractions didn’t stop Jones from performing at his best on Saturday night.
Jones was dominant from start to finish in his fight against Gustafsson, showing off his improved kickboxing through the first two rounds before getting the knockout in the third.
In the early going, Jones was tactical with his striking attacks as he battered Gustafsson’s legs and then started to go after his body as well. As Jones continued to pepper away at Gustafsson, he then began looking for more and more head shots but he never stopped paying attention to any particular body part while throwing punches and kicks.
The second round saw Jones land arguably his most damaging shot when he blasted Gustafsson’s lead leg and the top ranked light heavyweight contender limped back to his corner showing the ill effects of that kick.
That ultimately spelled doom for Gustafsson after he failed to defend a takedown in the third round, perhaps because he wasn’t able to move as fluidly with his leg already damaged.
Once the fight hit the floor it was all Jones as he quickly passed Gustafsson’s guard, took his back and started raining down shots from above. Each power punch blasted away at Gustafsson and by the time the fight was stopped, it was clear the Swede was no longer defending himself.
"The goal is to finish this fight, and that's what I'll do. I'll finish this fight."@JonnyBones at the press conference on Thursday ? #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/oADLr4HxOq
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Afterwards, Jones celebrated his victory as he once again was crowned UFC light heavyweight champion.
“The first time I fought Alexander, I stayed in his punching range. The main difference was I was aware of how far away I was at all times,” Jones said about the differences from his first fight to his rematch against Gustafsson at UFC 232. “I really think our team is the most dangerous team, especially when we get a rematch.”
The win not only gives Jones back the 205-pound title but it puts him in an advantageous position when it comes to his next fight.
"Daddy's home, DC."@JonnyBones has words for his biggest rival. #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/rhS0GyY2qX
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Jones could virtually pick his next opponent given the current landscape at light heavyweight but he still has one particular name in mind when it comes to his next fight.
“I know there’s a guy who’s been calling himself champ-champ,” Jones said when speaking about Daniel Cormier. “I mean what guy just gives up his belt because somebody made it home.
“Daddy’s home, DC. Prove to the fans you’re the champ-champ. Come get a taste. I’m here.”
