Jon Jones is a controversial figure in the sport of MMA, mostly due to a spotty disciplinary record, and the one "No Contest" he suffered against Daniel Cormier in 2017. But since returning to the sport, Jon Jones has made a concerted effort in canceling out the nuisances.
By accepting a title challenge from Anthony Smith, Jones knew he was up against a durable opponent, who would likely go the distance if he didn't display some level of creativity in the octagon. After picking up stoppage victories over Maurício "Shogun" Rua, and Rashad Evans, since moving up in weight, Smith entered the Octagon last night a heavy underdog, albeit one with a fighter's chance at a decision victory.
In the end, Anthony Smith did make it to the cards, but unfortunate for him, Jon Jones' dominant display from start to finish, left little doubt over the final result, even after referee docked him 2 points on the scorecards for administering an illegal kick to the face. Smith could have pleaded his case right there and then, but in true sportsmanship, he decided to forego a disqualification bid, thus prolonging the fight into a 5th and final round, which Jon Jones wound up dominating, once again.
In the post-fight Q&A's, Jon Jones chose not to single another Light Heavyweight, deciding instead to let the competition decide their own fate, in tandem with the UFC's secretive "matchmaking" policies. Hats off to Anthony Smith. His reputation is known to be so durable, and now I know why his name is Lionheart," Jones told Joe Rogan, with his defeated opponent over to the side. "I've never had someone talk to me while I'm hitting them. This guy is so durable. He's like the terminator."
