By FCF Staff
Jon Jones demonstrated once again tonight in Newark, New Jersey, why he is the sport’s fastest rising commodity, as the dynamic fighter dominated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua en route to a third round, championship win. Jones outscored the champion throughout the fight, utilizing his range to land strikes on his feet or punishing Rua from above with ground-and-pound blows. Despite Jones attacks and effective takedowns, a fatigued looking Rua fought on, attempting to secure the challenger’s legs on several occasions in search of a submission.
As the bout entered the third frame Rua was visibly fading, and after struggling back to his feet following more punches and elbows from above, Jones finished the deal with a punishing knee and a hard left hook to the body. After Jones received his new light-heavyweight championship belt, his training partner Rashad Evans was brought into the Octagon and confirmed as his next opponent.
Here are the official results for UFC 128.
Jon Jones def. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua via TKO (strikes) - R3, 2:37
Urijah Faber def. Eddie Wineland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jim Miller def. Kamal Shalorus via TKO (strikes) - R3, 2:15
Nate Marquardt def. Dan Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Brendan Schaub def. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic via TKO (punch) - R3, 3:44
Luiz Cane def. Eliot Marshall via TKO (punches) – R1, 2:15
Edson Barboza def. Anthony Njokuani via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mike Pyle def. Ricardo Almeida via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Gleison Tibau def. Kurt Pellegrino via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Joseph Benavidez def. Ian Loveland via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Nick Catone def. Costantinos Philippou via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Erik Koch def. Raphael Assuncao via knockout (punch) - R1, 2:32
