Jon Jones returned this past weekend at UFC 235 from Las Vegas, and as most predicted came out victorious, with a convincing defence of his light heavyweight title. Anthony Smith was a valiant opponent but was simply not on the level of Jones. Having said that, the fight did go the distance, with Jones being declared the unanimous winner – even with a two-point deduction in one round due to an illegal strike. So, the question for most now, is who is next for Jones? Whilst it was a dominant performance, it was somewhat dull, but this could be down the specific match up with Smith
The co-main event featured the welterweight championship match up between Tyron Woodley and Kamaru Usman. Whilst many had favoured Woodley in the run-up to the fight, it was Usman who came away with the unanimous decision and found himself the new champion. This is now likely to see him face Colby Covington, the former interim champion, in his first defence. They already have an existing rivalry, so should make for an interesting fight, but there are other contenders in the frame, namely Darren Till who fights in London this coming weekend.
Rest of the fight card
Robbie Lawler vs. Ben Askren 170 lbs Welterweight
Askren def. Lawler by technical submission at 3:20 of Round 1
Tecia Torres vs. Weili Zhang 115 lbs Strawweight
Zhang def. Torres by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Cody Garbrandt vs. Pedro Munhoz 135 lbs Bantamweight
Munhoz def. Garbrandt by TKO (punches) 4:52 of Round 1
Jeremy Stephens vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov 145 lbs Featherweight
Magomedsharipov def. Stephens by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Johnny Walker vs. Misha Cirkunov 205 lbs Light heavyweight
Walker def. Cirkunov by TKO (flying knee & punches) at 0:36 of Round 1
Alejandro Perez vs. Cody Stamann 135 lbs Bantamweight
Stamann def. Perez by unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
Mickey Gall vs. Diego Sanchez 170 lbs Welterweight
Sanchez def. Gall by TKO (elbows & punches) at 4:13 of Round 2
Charles Byrd vs. Edmen Shahbazyan 185 lbs Middleweight
Shahbazyan def. Byrd by TKO (elbows & punches) at 0:38 of Round 2
Macy Chiasson vs. Gina Mazany 135 lbs Bantamweight
Chiasson def. Mazany by KO (punches) at 1:49 of Round 1
Hannah Cifers vs. Polynna Viana 115 lbs Strawweight
Cifers def. Viana by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
