JONES DEFENDS: Champ defeats Evans in UFC 145 from Philips

At UFC 145 from Philips Arena, reigning champion Jon “Bones” Jones dominated former training partner “Sugar” Rashad Evans in the light heavyweight championship fight and elbowed his way to a unanimous decision to retain the belt.

“It felt great,” said the champ. “Rashad is an awesome opponent. He punches hard. I respect Rashad a lot and was intimidated a little bit to rely on my own skills.”

In a bout that was considered the most highly-anticipated light-heavyweight fight in the history of the UFC, Jones (16-1) controlled the fight with his trademarked elbows and jump kicks. The champ wore down his challenger’s defenses by employing a variety of attacking moves, from takedown attempts to jabs to spinning elbows and kicks.

“Every time he went for an elbow, I wasn’t ready for it,” said a battered and bruised Evans after the fight. “He out-slicked me on that.”

It was the third defense of Jones’ light-heavyweight belt and his fourth in a row over a former light heavyweight champion.

Jones took control in the second round. He landed an elbow with just under two minutes left that momentarily stunned Evans (17-2-1). Later, Jones landed a flurry of shots just before the round ended. The crowd of 15,454 roared its approval. From there, Jones weathered the few attacks Evans mustered, and continued to batter the former champion.

In an unfortunate turn, the crowd booed slow action throughout the fight and continued to boo both fighters during post-fight interviews in the ring.

The match was thought to be a “grudgematch” by many due to recent strife between the two MAA superstars. Jones and Evans, however, used to be training partners and considered each other friends. At Greg Jackson’s gym in New Mexico, the two would help each train for opponents in sparring matches at recently as two years ago.

But last year, Jones said in an interview that he would fight his friend and former training partner if asked to by the UFC. This revelation broke a pact between the two fighters and ended their friendship as a result. Since, it has been nothing but hatred and bitterness between the two.

But after the fight, Jones praised Evans and the two seemed like they might eventually patch things up.

“Rashad has been my toughest opponent,” said Jones. “I had a slight insecurity because he ‘big-brothered’ a couple times when we trained together.”

For his next title defense, Jones will face veteran MMA fighter and yet another former champ in Dan Henderson.

“Its great to have a mission already,” said Jones. “Henderson is an awesome opponent and has a huge fanbase. I’m sure the haters will come out right away. I’m excited to conquer.”

Atlanta was the recipient of this card after scheduling conflicts in Montreal pushed the event here. And it was good fortune for Atlanta MMA fans, who witnessed one of the sport’s bigger events in recent memory.