UFC 128 Recap: Bones Has Arrived
Three days ago, I experienced a long-awaited personal first. I attended my first live UFC event: UFC 128 Shogun vs. Jones. It took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. I found myself entranced like a moth to a flame while all the glorious, scintillating action played out before me.
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My night was awesome, but I know someone who most definitely had a better night than me. That person is none other than Jon “Bones” Jones. On second thought, Saturday was pretty eventful for Jones.
Just hours before his title fight with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Jones stopped a robbery. According to 7Online.com, he was at park in Patterson, NJ when a woman screamed she’d been robbed. Jones (and his coaches) chased after the alleged thief, and he restrained the suspect (with a leg lock no less) until police arrived.
Later that night, Jones steps into the Octagon to battle UFC Light Heavyweight Champ “Shogun” Rua. The bell rings, and the two combatants circle each other waiting to see who will be the one to make the first move or the first mistake. In the middle of Round 1, Rua is caught against the Octagon’s cage and Jones makes his move. Jones lands a knee to Rua’s body that sends the champ to the mat, times “Shogun’s” ascent to his feet, and delivers a hybrid knee/kick right on Rua’s jaw. Rua surprisingly escapes the round with some of his wits still intact.
Round 2 begins, and Rua is still feeling the effects of Jones’ knee. His movements and body language suggest that he is on his way to Dream Street. Unfortunately for him, Jones seemed very willing to send him there. Jones manhandled Rua in every way imaginable. Watching this round was like watching a killer whale toy with a seal. And yet, Rua “survives” the round.
The bell rings for Round 3, and Jones bullies Rua like he did in the previous round. Jones’ ferocity sends Rua stumbling back into the cage and Jones ruthlessly puts him down with another knee (and some punches too). Referee Herb Dean stops the fight at the 02:37 mark.
All and all, I’d say Saturday was a good day for Jones. He fought crime, and became a champion. At just 23 years old, he is also the youngest fighter to ever earn a UFC title. I don’t know what’s more impressive: the way he owned Rua or what he has accomplished before reaching his prime as a fighter.
And it doesn’t stop there folks. Guess who’s appearing this Thursday on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno?” A good day is becoming a good week for Jon “Bones” Jones.
Other Notable Fights from UFC 128:
Jim Miller def. Kamal Shalorus via TKO (strikes) at 02:15 of Rd 3.
Urijah Faber def. Eddie Wineland via unanimous decision.
Nate Marquardt def. Dan Miller via unanimous decision.
Brendan Schaub def. Mirko Cro Cop via TKO (strikes) at 03:44 of Rd 3.
