Watched my first pay-per-view UFC fight tonight - Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson.
As a fan of boxing I thoroughly understand and appreciate the wingspan of Jon Jones, who came into this fight with a slight reach advantage over Gustafsson. With any fight, if one person can reach you, he/she definitely has the advantage.
During the opening round, Gustafsson's striking ability was impressive and noticeable, again as a boxing fan, these things tend to stand out for me. Throw in the fact that Jones had the reach advantage, and this is more impressive.
During the first round, I also learned that Jones had never been taken down, until tonight, when Gustafsson took him down early in the first round - Jones was obviously agitated by this fact and put pressure on Gustafsson.
At the beginning of the second round, Jones had a cut over his right eye that, even with the work from his corner, would not close - again, pointing back to Gustafsson's striking ability, which were proven to be better than Jones'.
Granted this is the first fight I've watched, but from this showing, Jones seemed to be outmatched in the striking department, which is only one aspect of this sport.
At the beginning of the third round, Jones' eye was still bleeding.
Although Jones may have been outdone on this night by Gustafsson's striking ability, Jones did have the advantages with his kicks, landing them at a high ratio throughout the two previous rounds - Jones had success going high as well as low with his kicks, which I believe weakened and exhausted Gustafsson more than Jones was effected by Gustafsson's punches.
Towards the end of the third round, Gustafsson's exhaustion was apparent - although he still showed good footwork while connecting on a few solid strikes.
The opening of the fourth round began with sizing-up, by both men. This was the first time Gustafsson has been in the Championship Rounds.
During the fourth round, Jones' right eye became a hindrance, which worried many; however, after an elbow, Jones regained the round after hurting Gustafsson with a strong elbow to his forehead - stunning him and allowing Jones to land several more good shots.
In the fifth and final round both fighter were exhausted, which was apparent by Gustafsson putting his hands on his hips.
Jones knew he had to win the fifth round in order for him to have a chance at beating Gustafsson. Both fighters definitely gave it their all - and although Gustafsson seen the most kicks, he did not fall.
Ultimately, it was Jones who was awarded the victory by a unanimous decision - with many boo's from the audience I might add.
Regardless of how this fight ended - the UFC now has a new fan.
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