Jones-Gustafsson hits UFC Reloaded
It’s been less than a month since Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson engaged in one of 2013’s best fights, a grueling five-round thriller that saw the challenger push the UFC light-heavyweight champion to the brink before falling just short. The decision was disputed by some, but the action was unquestionably elite, declared by most to be an instant classic.
The two are both still on the mend and not expected to return until around March 2014, but the night’s action will be aired on free television for the first time on Thursday’s episode of UFC Reloaded. The three-hour FOX Sports 1 show will air the entire UFC 165 main card at 8/5p ET/PT.
The event, which took place in Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, saw Jones defend the light-heavyweight belt for a record sixth time. The match, however, was not short on drama, as Gustafsson shocked him with an early takedown and captured a lead after the first three rounds. Showing his championship character, Jones stormed back in the fourth and rocked the challenger with a spinning back elbow, and captured the final two rounds to retain the belt.
The instant classic will air along with bouts including interim bantamweight champ Renan Barao, heavyweight Brendan Schaub and surging lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov.
