Jon Jones Vs Anthony Johnson: The Full Fight

What's up, fight fans! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most anticipated light heavyweight title fights in UFC history: Jon Jones vs. Anthony Johnson. This wasn't just any fight; it was a clash of titans, a battle between the seemingly untouchable GOAT and a power puncher who was absolutely demolishing everyone in his path. If you missed this one live, or if you just want to relive the sheer intensity, you're in for a treat. We're going to break down the full fight, looking at the strategies, the pivotal moments, and what made this matchup so incredibly compelling.

The Road to UFC 187: A Collision Course

Before we get into the octagon action, let's set the stage. Jon Jones, at this point, was already a legendary figure. He had dominated the light heavyweight division for years, racking up an incredible win streak against an all-star cast of contenders. His fight IQ, his length, his unorthodox striking, and his suffocating grappling made him a nightmare matchup for almost anyone. He was, for all intents and purposes, undefeated and seemingly invincible. His reign was so dominant that fans started wondering if anyone could ever dethrone him. He had cleared out the division multiple times, always finding a way to win, often in spectacular fashion.

On the other side of the coin, you had Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. Rumble was a different breed of fighter. A former heavyweight who had struggled to make weight, he'd dropped to light heavyweight and was on an absolute tear. His power was absolutely terrifying. Knockouts came fast and often, and he was dispatching opponents with brutal efficiency. He had a ferocious striking game, characterized by devastating hooks and uppercuts that could end a fight in the blink of an eye. His wrestling background, which he sometimes neglected, also made him a dangerous threat on the ground. He had systematically dismantled every opponent put in front of him, earning him this shot at the pound-for-pound king. The narrative was simple: could Rumble's knockout power overcome Jones's unparalleled skill and fight IQ?

The Weigh-In and Pre-Fight Hype

Leading up to UFC 187, the tension was palpable. The weigh-ins were electric. You could feel the anticipation from the crowd and the fighters. Jon Jones, ever the calm strategist, looked focused. Anthony Johnson, with his imposing physique and known power, exuded a dangerous confidence. The staredown was intense, a silent acknowledgment of the monumental task ahead for both men. Analysts were divided. Some believed Jones's technical superiority and fight IQ would be too much. Others felt Rumble's sheer explosive power was the X-factor that could finally end the Jones era. The buzz was incredible; this was the fight everyone had been talking about, a true superfight that promised fireworks. The sheer physicality of Rumble Johnson, combined with the artistic precision of Jon Jones, created a stylistic clash that had fight fans salivating. It was billed as the ultimate test for both men: the ultimate challenge for Jones to prove his dominance, and the ultimate opportunity for Johnson to etch his name in the annals of UFC history. The narrative was perfectly crafted, setting the stage for a legendary encounter.

The Fight Itself: A Tactical Masterclass

The opening bell rang, and the arena erupted. From the get-go, it was clear this wasn't going to be a walk in the park for either fighter. Jon Jones, known for his calculated approach, started by establishing his range with sharp jabs and his signature oblique kicks. He was immediately looking to control the distance, keeping Rumble Johnson's explosive power at bay. This was crucial; Jones knew that getting caught by one of Rumble's haymakers early could spell disaster. He was using his superior reach to pepper Johnson, mixing in kicks to the lead leg and body, trying to slow Rumble down and disrupt his rhythm. You could see the strategy unfolding: neutralize the power, frustrate the opponent, and look for openings.

Anthony Johnson, however, was not intimidated. He was stalking forward, looking for that opportunity to land something big. He was loading up on his punches, especially that devastating right hand. In the early exchanges, he managed to land a few solid shots, and the crowd roared. You could see Jon Jones respect that power; he was moving smoothly, evading the most dangerous shots, but he was definitely aware of the threat. The first few minutes were a tense chess match, with Jones dictating the pace and distance, and Johnson patiently waiting for his moment. It was a masterclass in distance management from Jones, who was employing his usual array of unorthodox techniques to keep Johnson guessing. His spinning elbows, his question-mark kicks, all designed to keep Rumble off-balance and unable to commit to his power shots. Johnson, to his credit, was weathering the storm, absorbing some shots, but always moving forward, never looking to back down.

Round 1: Setting the Tone

The first round was a tactical masterpiece. Jon Jones was effectively using his jab and kicks to keep Anthony Johnson at bay. He was landing consistently, scoring points, and frustrating Rumble's attempts to close the distance and unleash his power. Jones's movement was fluid, elusive, and precise. He was mixing up his strikes, keeping Rumble guessing. You could see the game plan working: wear down the explosive challenger, make him miss, and gas him out. Rumble was looking for that one big shot, but Jones was too slick, too smart. He was controlling the center of the octagon, using his reach to his advantage, and dictating the tempo of the fight. While Rumble wasn't landing his most devastating blows, he was showing heart and durability, eating some shots from Jones and still coming forward. The round ended with Jones clearly ahead on points, having successfully neutralized Johnson's immediate threat and imposed his own game plan. It was a testament to Jones's ability to adapt and strategize against a dangerous opponent, proving once again why he was considered the king of the division. The way he managed the distance and controlled the striking exchanges was textbook.

The Turning Point: The Takedown and Submission

As the fight moved into the second round, the dynamics began to shift. Jon Jones, having weathered the initial storm and secured the first round, decided it was time to implement another aspect of his game: his wrestling. He saw an opening, feinted, and then shot for a double-leg takedown. This was a crucial moment. While Rumble Johnson had shown improved takedown defense, Jones's wrestling was world-class. He executed the takedown perfectly, getting Rumble to the mat. Once on the ground, the fight changed dramatically. Jon Jones is a submission wizard, and he started working to advance his position.

On the ground, Jones's length and control were immense. He moved from side control, looking for opportunities to transition. Rumble Johnson's defense was stout, but he was stuck in Jones's world now. Jones began to isolate an arm, and the crowd sensed that something was about to happen. He transitioned to an armbar attempt, cinching it in deep. You could see the strain on Anthony Johnson's face. He tried to roll, to escape, to defend, but Jones had it locked in. The tap was inevitable. With a swift, powerful application of the armbar, Jon Jones secured the submission victory. It was a decisive end to a highly anticipated bout, showcasing Jones's complete MMA skillset – his striking, his grappling, and his submission game all coming together to defeat a dangerous opponent. The arena erupted as Jones retained his title, extending his legendary reign.

The Submission Finish

The submission itself was a thing of beauty. Jon Jones transitioned seamlessly from dominant position to a fight-ending submission. Once he had Rumble Johnson on his back, he methodically worked his way to an armbar. He didn't rush; he secured the position, isolated the arm, and then applied the pressure. Rumble, known for his toughness, fought it valiantly, but Jones's technique was too good, his leverage too perfect. The tap came at 2:12 of the second round. It was a dominant performance from Jones, who proved once again why he was considered the greatest of all time. He had faced a truly terrifying opponent in Anthony Johnson, a man who had knocked out almost everyone in his path, and he had systematically dismantled him, finishing him via submission. It was a stark reminder of Jones's versatility and his mastery of all facets of mixed martial arts. The way he dictated the pace on the ground and found the submission was textbook.

The Legacy of Jones vs. Johnson

The Jon Jones vs. Anthony Johnson fight stands as a significant moment in UFC history. It was a fight that pitted the undisputed king against a challenger who possessed the kind of one-punch knockout power that could end any fight. Jones's victory wasn't just a win; it was a validation of his status as the greatest light heavyweight, and arguably the greatest MMA fighter, of all time. He proved that his technical skill, his fight IQ, and his adaptability could overcome even the most dangerous physical threats.

For Anthony Johnson, it was a tough loss, but he proved his mettle. He showed incredible heart and durability, surviving early exchanges and fighting back. His run to that title shot was legendary, and while he didn't get the belt, he earned the respect of fans and fighters alike. He showed that he belonged at the top, even if he couldn't overcome the seemingly insurmountable challenge that was Jon Jones on that night. The fight cemented Jones's legacy further, showing his ability to adapt and overcome challenges posed by different styles and threats. It was a defining moment for both fighters, leaving an indelible mark on the light heavyweight division and the sport as a whole. The performances leading up to this fight for Rumble were electrifying, and while this wasn't his night, his journey to get there was memorable. It reminded us all that in MMA, styles make fights, and this particular stylistic matchup, while incredibly dangerous for Jones, ultimately played to his strengths when he decided to implement his grappling and submission game.

What We Learned That Night

What did we learn from this epic clash? We learned that Jon Jones's reign was far from over. He demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt his game plan on the fly, neutralizing a dangerous striker and then seamlessly transitioning to his wrestling and submission game to finish the fight. He proved that his reach, his fight IQ, and his diverse skillset were unmatched. He was willing to engage with Rumble's power on the feet just long enough to set up his takedown, a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. We also learned that while Anthony "Rumble" Johnson possessed devastating power, Jones's defensive grappling and submission skills were on another level. Rumble's path to victory would have likely involved landing a devastating blow early, but Jones, as he always did, found a way to avoid that fate. The fight underscored the importance of a well-rounded skillset in MMA, especially when facing an opponent like Jon Jones. It was a masterclass in strategic fighting and execution, leaving no doubt about Jones's dominance at the time. The sheer variety of skills Jones showcased, from striking to wrestling to submission, was a testament to his all-around fighting prowess. This fight is a classic for a reason, guys!