UFC 197 results: Jon Jones makes successful return to the Octagon

In the main event of UFC 197 Jon Jones made his return to the Octagon after over a year away from the Octagon. Jones and Ovince Saint Preux fought for the interim UFC light heavyweight championship.

In the first round, the pair looked to find their distance during the feeling out process, with neither fighter landing major blows. Jones however did land a pair of kicks to the body of OSP which landed. With just 10 seconds left in the round Jones managed to get a trip from the clinch, however OSP immediately got back to his feet.

In the second round, it was more of the same. Both men engaged in several exchanges in the clinch, with Jones landing elbows. With 90 seconds left in the round OSP landed a solid left hand that tagged Jones, who responded by landing oblique kicks and a spinning back kick. OSP then fired back and landed a right hand with 30 seconds left. Jones landed a wheel kick at the bell which OSP responded to with a punch of his own that landed.

In the 3rd round, both fights appeared hesitant. However it was Jones who landed a spinning back fist. With 2 minutes left the pair both look hesitant, as OSP appears to be conserving his energy. Jones landed a head kick which didn’t appear to phase OSP. Jones landed several body kicks throughout the second half of the round.

OSP appears to be opening up more and finding his confidence at the beginning of the 4th round. Jones clinched OSP along the fence and then secures a takedown however OSP makes it back to his feet and breaks from the clinch. Jones once again clinches with OSP against the cage and gets a double leg takedown. Jones secures side control and looks to advance with 90 seconds left. OSP wall walks and creates a scramble but Jones gets another takedown and secures mount. Jones passed to OSP’s back with 30 seconds left. Jones gets up and looks to land strikes as the round ends.

In the fifth round, both men came out slow, however Jones got a takedown with 2 minutes left and let OSP up. Jones clinches with OSP against the cage with a little over a minute left and lands elbows. The final bell sounds as there are scattered boos throughout the crowd.

Official decision: Jon Jones defeats OSP via unanimous decision.