Jon Jones retains UFC light-heavyweight title with submission win against Vitor Belfort
Jon Jones defended his UFC light-heavyweight title with a fourth-round submission victory over Vitor Belfort.
Last Updated: 23/09/12 6:36pm
Jones was given a major scare in the first round when his Brazilian opponent clamped on an armbar but the 25-year-old escaped to claim his fifth straight win over a current or former UFC champion.
The challenger was also close to locking in a triangle choke late in the second round but other than that Jones (17-1) asserted his control with vicious kicks and elbows.
The American secured victory with a keylock but after the fight admitted he was in trouble when Belfort had him in the armbar.
"Oh man, he got that armbar in every way shape and form. I've never felt my arm like that before. I honestly was waiting for it to break, (but) I was not going to tap out," Jones said.
Belfort (21-10) could not hide his frustrations but was gracious towards his opponent.
Champion
He said: "That's why he's a champion. I really thought tonight I would win. But as a champion he fought better and he deserved it."
Elsewhere on the card at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Demetrious Johnson made UFC history by becoming its first-ever flyweight champion after a split decision victory over Joseph Benavidez.
Johnson used his speed and elusiveness to good effect as two judges gave him the win by scores of 48-47 and 49-46, while the other scored it 48-47 for Benavidez.
British fighter Michael Bisping wrestled his way to a unanimous decision victory over Brian Stann and afterwards was quick to state his claim for another shot at the middleweight title.
Bisping said: "My desire to be a world champion is not going away. But the owners of the organization, come on, hook a brother up!"
Matt Hammill recorded a unanimous decision win over Roger Hollett in their light-heavyweight clash and Cub Swanson stopped Charles Oliveira in the first round of their catchweight contest.
