Did anyone catch that Jones vs Gustafsson fight at UFC 165 in Toronto last night?
It was without a doubt the best fight I've ever seen.
The opening rounds were surprising as Gustafsson's took the fight to Jones, out boxing the champion and tagging with jab after jab, followed by upper cuts, hooks and haymakers.
Jones a towering light-heavyweight has never faced a fighter as tall or with such a long reach as Gustafsson and he clearly this was his most difficult test as the fight went the distance.
The 6'5'' Sweede looked poised for an upset, taking Jones down to the mat for the first time in his career, while Jones's attempts for a take down Gustafsson were brushed aside.
Jones was likely losing on the scorecards after the first two rounds, as it was until the end of the third round, where he landed a spinning elbow to the side of Gustafsson's head, followed by a knee to the mouth and the big Sweede was in trouble but before the champ could undo any further damage, Gustafsson was saved by the bell rang.
In the 4th round, the fighters exchanged blows and Jones began to enforce his will, utilizing his spinning elbow and forearm attack. Credit Gustafsson's toughness, he took a kick to the side of his head and somehow didn't go down.
This was a brawl, as both fighters were worn-out, beaten and exhausted and by the fifth round, both were barely able to hold themselves up but somehow they both lasted.
Gustafsson looked like he was out of gas in the final round, sputtering around the cage, somehow he stayed on his feet. It is beyond any reason except for a strong will. He continued to exchange punches.
Jones had never suffered such a beating, and his face showed the damage. He looked like the elephant man, with his right eyes was swollen and leaking blood, and his mouth so swollen he could barely speak in the post fight interview.
In the end, the judges ruled in a unanimous decision for the champion Jones.
While the two fighters were waiting in the middle of the ring for the decision there was likely some doubt in Jones's mind and the belief in Gustaffson's that he might be the new champ.
But like in baseball, where the tie goes to the runner, in the UFC the same goes for the champion and Jones did more damage in the final rounds.
This fight will go down in history as the best title fight the UFC has ever seen.
Forget all the other contenders, there should be an immediate rematch.
