• UFC 159

Dominant Jones equals Ortiz's record with broken toe

ESPN staff
April 28, 2013
Jones dominates Sonnen

Jon Jones equalled Tito Ortiz's UFC record for light-heavyweight title defences at UFC 159, and he did it with a broken toe.

Jones took the fight to Chael Sonnen in the night's main event in New Jersey, scoring a first-round TKO stoppage as he chalked up a fifth successful title defence to equal Ortiz. One more win will confirm what is already well acknowledged: Jones is the best 205-pounder ever.

As he stood next to Joe Rogan for his post-fight interview, it became clear Jones had suffered a badly broken toe. Had Sonnen held on for 27 seconds, things could have been very different.

The fact he didn't was credit to Jones. The champion instantly took Sonnen down and, although the challenger scrapped back to his feet, he was soon downed again. The third time Sonnen's back hit the mat - it was soon game over.

Jones began working the trademark elbows, and then he unleashed relentless ground-and-pound as Sonnen turtled up. It was devastating, and it was done with only one healthy foot.

"Chael Sonnen's an awesome opponent.," Jones said. "I really wanted to 'Chael Sonnen' Chael Sonnen. If people are saying you're going to get out-wrestled, I'm going to out-wrestle you. It's a 'screw that' attitude."

As for Sonnen, retirement may be due: "He's an excellent fighter, I have no problem with the stoppage. When he went for the kill he never stopped. He's the better fighter. I was surprised by his power, but Jon's the man.

"I'll think it through. I'm not going to hang around if there's nothing for me. That might be my last opportunity."

UFC 159 results

Jon Jones def. Chael Sonnen via TKO at 4.33 of Round 1
Michael Bisping def. Alan Belcher via technical unanimous decision (30-27 30-27 29-28)
Roy Nelson def. Cheick Kongo via KO at 2.03 of Round 1
Phil Davis def. Vinny Magalhaes via unanimous decision (30-27 30-27 29-28)
Pat Healy def. Jim Miller via rear naked choke at 4.02 of Round 3
Rustam Khabilov def. Yancy Medeiros via TKO (injury) at 2.32 of Round 1
Ovince St. Preux def. Gian Villante via technical majority decision (30-28 30-28 29-29)
Sara McMann def. Sheila Gaff via TKO at 4.06 of Round 1
Bryan Caraway def. Johnny Bedford via guillotine choke at 4.44 of Round 3
Cody McKenzie def. Leonard Garcia via unanimous decision (29-28 30-27 30-27)
Steven Siler def. Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (29-28 29-28 29-28)
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