UFC 239 was a blockbuster card for a few different reasons. First, the fight s happened two days after Independence Day. And it’s in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world no less. Secondly, you knew this would be one of a handful of true must-see cards in an average UFC year.
The sport of mixed martial arts is becoming more competitive with limited opportunities for gatekeepers such as Jon Jones who are famous and financially successful.
The muay thai striker, Thiago Santos, scored an early point for himself against newcomer Prisco. Santos delivered a strong blow to his opponent’s jaw followed by another that knocked him off balance and into the ropes where he eventually tripped and fell from the ring.
Jones was the best fighter and is still the greatest of all time, but Amanda Nunes is quickly working her way to becoming the GOAT on the women’s side. Nunes will likely defend her women’s bantamweight title and make significant steps up in status as she gets ready to battle against Holly Holm.
There is also no mention of Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal, who were both in the main event.
The winners and losers for UFC 239 were revealed, but the results aren’t as clear-cut as the final numbers may seem.
UFC 239 was a blockbuster card because of its timing and the fact that it took place in Las Vegas. UFC fights are known to attract quite a sizeable audience, so often become spectator sporting events.
Jon Jones is the best MMA fighter in history and has arguably seen more weirdness than most of his fellow competitors. When Jones is on, fight fans watch.
Thiago Santos is one of the most successful strikers and has a 13-5 record in the UFC. No wonder, he smashes opponents from every angle and is quite hard hitting. His style is perfect for MMA, so it was an easy decision for him to enter the final match.
Jones was the best, but not the only, true great on this card. Amanda Nunes is well on her way to becoming the GOAT on the women’s side, but she’s not quite there yet. The dual-division champ successfully defending her bantamweight strap against famed giant-killer Holly Holm would mean a big step toward cementing her superstar status.
If there is anything to be learned heading into this year’s Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix, it’s that Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal are going to create a lot of heat.
One of the losers from UFC 239 was determined by recording the statistics of each fighter.
Winner: Jon Jones
Winner: Amanda Nunes
Winner: Jorge Masvidal
Loser: Diego Sanchez
Winner: Jan Blachowicz
Loser: Claudia Gadelha
Winner: Song Yadong
Full Card Results
Jon Jones defeated Thiago Santos by split decision, retaining his title as UFC light heavyweight champion
Amanda Nunes def. Holly Holm by KO, 4:10, Round 1 (retains UFC women’s bantamweight championship)
Jorge Masvidal clinches victory with a brutal KO
UFC fighter Jan Blachowicz def. UFC champion Luke Rockhold
Michael Chiesa explains how he beat Diego Sanchez
