Reaction to UFC 135

UFC 135 went down on Saturday night headlined by the much-anticipated main event of Jon Jones vs Rampage Jackson. Jones defended his light heavyweight title in convincing fashion submitting Jackson by rear naked choke in the 4th round. Jackson showed grit during the fight but Jones was on another level then the former champ. Jones was in control from the opening bell and never once looked in danger. The champion took Jackson down multiple times and peppered him with a variety of strikes including leg kicks that took a toll on Jackson, as well as a punishing elbow that cut Jackson under the eye.

After the fight Jackson said he was humbled by Jones and was in the best shape of his life but was still soundly beaten and went as far as to say Jones is "The real deal." After the post fight interviews number one contender Rashad Evans entered the ring and engaged in a stare down with Jones which heightened the tension for their title fight.

Also on the card Josh Koscheck returned to action with a first round TKO of Matt Hughes. Hughes looked strong in the opening minutes of the fight using a strong jab to keep TUF alumni Koscheck at bay. Koscheck began to find his range as the round wore on though eventually landing a powerful hook followed by a flurry of strikes that dropped Hughes. Koscheck would then batter the fallen Hughes with punches finishing the fight.

In another dominant performance Nate Diaz was back at home in the lightweight division with a first round submission of Takanori Gomi. Diaz controlled the entire fight with technical and powerful striking that utilized his healthy reach advantage over Gomi. Gomi in an effort to avoid further punishment took Diaz down. Upon being taken down Diaz worked his magic on the ground easily submitting the legendary Gomi.