Ladies and gentlemen,
I just watched Jon "Bones" Jones beat the mess out of Glover Teixeira. I'm a big fan of Glover's, but Jones performed as I expected he would. He pulled out all the old tricks like spinning elbows and oblique kicks, but he also pulled a few new tricks from his hat like axe kicks and spinning heel kicks. Also as predicted, Jones kept Glover from ever establishing a rhythm, and though he was successful using his reach, he broke Glover's rhythm mostly by smothering him against the cage and slicing him to ribbons with short elbows. It was amazing stuff that you only see from Jon Jones.
After the Gustaffson fight, I think a lot of folks lost some of their awe and some of their respect for Jones. After this fight, they should have regained it. Those who were predicting that Daniel Cormier would make short work of Jones had best take a moment and consider just how good Jones is. He is, without a doubt, a unique talent. We may never see a fighter like this again in our lifetimes. Enjoy him while he is here and while he is fighting in his prime. When or if he ever does fight Daniel Cormier, my money will be on Jones.
Jones wasn't the only one who looked great tonight. Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, Luke Rockhold, Danny Castillo, Jim Miller, Max Holloway and Chris Beal all put in sensational performances.
Rumble Johnson proved that his 30-pound move from welterweight to light heavyweight was a wise decision when he dominated Phil Davis in a manner that not even his teammate and mentor, Rashad Evans, could match.
Luke Rockhold was clinically efficient, wrapping up Tim Boetsch in a triangle choke from top position only to finish him with a kimura.
Danny Castillo rebounded from losing the first round to landing a nuclear bomb of a right hand on Chris Brenneman's chin. That knockout was as violent as any you're likely to see this year.
Jim Miller choked his opponent unconscious. In fact, the fight was over and Miller had to celebrate on his back because it took his comatose opponent so long to wake up.
Max Holloway continues to get better. I've liked this kid every time I've seen him. Even when he loses, he puts on a heck of a fight. At only 22 years of age and with 8 fights in the UFC, it's scary to think how good Max might end up being once he reaches his prime.
Ultimate Fighter alumni, Chris Beal, landed one of the most beautiful flying knees I've ever seen. And now, thank to the magic of the internet, you can see it, too.
Savor that clip, ladies and gentlemen.
Until next time.
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