Jon Jones is back competing again and pitting his grappling wits against the best.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion headlined SUG 2 on Sunday night and took on 46-year-old Dan Henderson in a grappling-only encounter.
‘Bones’ is banned from fighting in the UFC until July 2017 but is keeping his competitive eye in. His main event encounter with Henderson, who only retired from the UFC earlier this year, was on a card that also featured Miesha Tate versus Jessica Eye.
Jones and Henderson both had attempted take-downs blocked and, at one stage, Henderson lay on the mat and invited his opponent into his guard. The invitation was turned down.
The contest rumbled on for over six minutes before Jones got the job done with an exacting arm triangle submission.
Jon Jones get Hendo to tap. 6:39 with an arm triangle. #SUG2 pic.twitter.com/c7kwDqgodf
— Billy Gates (@GatesOnSports) 12 December 2016
Following his victory, Jones already had his eye on his next opponent. “I’m thinking me and you, Chael, should do a little something something,” he said.
Chael Sonnen, who Jones defeated at UFC 151 and who is set to compete in Bellator in 2017, replied, “In that case, I will see you January 29.”
That should be another encounter worth keeping track of.
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