Johnson’s versatility is his greatest strength, and he’ll need it to keep this fight off the mat as Cejudo is an Olympic gold medalist as a wrestler.
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“Did Jon look like a world-beater?”
Still, there was little debate among the judges after five rounds with the official scores 50-45, 50-45, 50-44 in Jones’ favour.
“To have somebody to represent Albuquerque gives them that inspiration to say, ‘Hey, let’s go support them, ‘ even if they’re fighting in Las Vegas”, Simard said.
Jones had a hilarious reaction after being told of Saint Preux’s injury. From Benson Henderson’s Bellator debut last night to this evening’s UFC pay-per-view show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the non/retirement of “The Notorious” one has pushed them all into the background.
While Diaz still will likely fight in July, the removal of McGregor means the show desperately needs one of the UFC’s most recognizable superstars to fill the void. I needed that fight before I fight for the title.
Cormier won the vacant title because Jones was stripped of it, and until Jones has a chance to win “his” belt back, there will not be closure in the division.
Jones and Cormier were supposed to rematch on Saturday and, as it turned out, it was probably a pretty good thing that Cormier injured his left leg and had to pull out of the fight.
In the past, Jon Jones declined to take a fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 151 after Dan Henderson pulled out.
Two of Saint Preux’s losses came against Glover Teixeira and Ryan Bader, guys Bones handeled easily. It’s not only finding an opponent to take face Jones on short notice nor getting Jon to agree to fight on short notice. For anyone that missed UFC 197 (shame on you!), I honestly don’t think I’d take the time out of my day to watch Jones vs. Saint Preux. “That’s the guy I want to fight anyway. I want my belt back”.
That takedown highlighted Jones’ dominance and ensured that the Jackson’s MMA star made a winning return to the Octagon. Cormier said that deserves praise. “Everyone expects Jon to just win and go fight DC”. According to Dana White(via ESPN), St. Preux suffered a broken-arm at some point in the 3rd round.
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Demetrious Johnson successfully defended his flyweight title for the eighth straight time, stopping Henry Cejudo in the first round.
