Jones edges Santos via split decision in UFC 239 main event

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones defeated Thiago Santos via split decision in the main event Saturday at UFC 239 in Las Vegas.

Jones was pushed by Santos arguably more than any opponent since the 205-pound king's first fight with Alexander Gustafsson, but he ultimately prevailed after the judges scored the fight 48-47, 47-48, 48-47 in his favor.

It was Jones' tenth successful defense of the UFC light heavyweight title, and the win tied him for the most title victories in UFC history (13) with Georges St-Pierre.

Santos appeared to struggle with a left knee injury throughout most of the bout. However, the knockout artist used his punching power to keep Jones at bay and arguably landed the more significant strikes of the fight.

Jones, meanwhile, was more conservative than usual, rarely threatening to take down his opponent to use his patented brutal ground-and-pound game.

"He implemented a game plan I think a lot of people have wanted to for a very long time," Jones said after the fight. "He did a good job. He exploited a hole in my game that won't be there next time."

The Brazilian was the aggressor early, taking the opening round thanks in large part to the brutal inside leg kicks he inflicted on Jones, who needed help to leave the Octagon after the fight.

Jones moves to 25-1 (1 NC) in his MMA career with the win, while Santos dropped to 21-6 and had a four-fight win streak snapped.