UFC 232 results: Jones regains title with stoppage of Gustafsson; Nunes shocks the world with KO of Cyborg

Steven Muehlhausen

UFC 232 results: Jones regains title with stoppage of Gustafsson; Nunes shocks the world with KO of Cyborg image

It wasn't the best of weeks for Jon Jones and many wondered if he would be able to stay focused on the task at hand when he once again took on Alexander Gustafsson in the main event of UFC 232.

Jones showed that it doesn't matter how you start, it's how you finish as he took down Gustafsson to the mat and ended up finishing him with a series of ground and punches to win by knockout at 2:22 of the third round to reclaim the light heavyweight title. It wasn't nearly as competitive as their first meeting five years ago, that Jones narrowly escaped with a decision victory. The second time around it was all about Jones neutralizing Gustafsson's strengths and turned it into a kickboxing match early on by using short elbows and kicks to keep the Swedish fighter away. Once he saw an opening in the third, he took it and finished off his rival to reclaim the title he was stripped of. 

Sporting News had the fight scored 20-18 for Jones at the time of the stoppage.

Join DAZN and watch more than 100 fight nights a year

"This is great, Jones told Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview. "This is a great feeling."

Afterward, Jones threw down the gauntlet for his longtime rival, Daniel Cormier. Could a third fight be next?

Also, Amanda Nunes shocked the world by knocking out Cris Cyborg in the first round to become a dual champion. Nunes, the UFC women's bantamweight champion, climbed up to the featherweight division and challenged the seemingly indestructible Cyborg for her 145-pound title. Most gave Nunes little chance to survive. But not only did she survive, she ran right over Cyborg with one power shot after another to score a rousing first round TKO.  

Here is what happened at UFC 232.

(All times Eastern.)

UFC 232 results

Jon Jones pounds out Alexander Gustafsson to regain the light heavyweight title

12:34 a.m.: Jones def. Gustafsson by knockout at 2:22 of the third round to become the UFC light heavyweight champion.  After a dominant first two rounds, Jones took Gustafsson down to begin the third round and never got up. Jones got into side control and threw short elbows. After a scramble, Jones was able to get Gustafsson's back and blasted him out with a heavy left and right hands to finish the Swede off and regain the 205-pound title.

12:28 a.m.: Round 2 to Jones (10-9, 20-18 Jones).  Jones is picking Gustafsson apart here. He's keeping Gustafsson at his range with powerful leg kicks, which buckled Gustaffson on two occasions. Gustafsson needs to let the hands go and make Jones respect him because, at this point, he doesn't.

12:22 a.m.: Round 1 to Jones (10-9).  Jones was the more efficient striker in the opening round. Good elbows from the outside and making it a point in throwing the front kick to the knee and body kicks. 

12:10 a.m.: It is now time for the main event of UFC 232 as No. 1-ranked Jon Jones meets No. 2-ranked Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant light heavyweight title. UFC 232 will only be the fifth time that Jones (22-1 no contest) competed since their first meeting five years ago. Jones was arrested in 2015 for being involved in a hit-and-run accident involving a pregnant woman and fleeing the scene of the crime. Jones also failed two drug tests, including one before his most recent fight at UFC 214 in July 2017, which he regained the light heavyweight title in a third-round knockout of Daniel Cormier. The latest infraction netted Jones a 15-month suspension.

Gustafsson (18-4) hasn't fought too much either since his first bout with Jones. Unlike Jones, though, Gustafsson's hiatus from the sport comes from a litany of injuries. The Swedish fighter only fought five times, going 3-2 in the process. One of those defeats was at the hands of Cormier at UFC 192 in October 2015 by split decision.

It has been a hectic week for both guys. On Sunday, it was revealed that Jones had what was deemed to be an “atypical finding” in a drug test administered to him earlier this month. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) didn't rule it a positive result, saying it was from "prior exposure for which he was previously sanctioned" for failing a test in July 2017 before his UFC 214 bout with Daniel Cormier — something that Jones wound up getting suspended 15 months for.

Who will be the stronger fighter mentally and physically? If it is anything like we saw at UFC 165, it should be another classic.

Amanda Nunes shocks the world and knocks out Cris Cyborg in the first round to become the featherweight champion

11:56 p.m.: Nunes def. Cyborg by knockout at 0:51 of the first round. Nunes came out firing with a right hand to get Cyborg's attention. Cyborg connected on a right hand of her own. Nunes hit Cyborg with an overhand right hand followed by a left hook, which rocked Cyborg. Nunes unloaded another overhand right followed by a left hook to drop Cyborg. The former champion was on wobbly legs. Realizing one more shot would finish her off, Nunes blasted Cyborg with shivering straight right hand to send Cyborg face first to the canvas to become the first person to knockout Cyborg and become the third person in UFC history and the first woman to ever hold two titles at the same time. 

There's no doubt now that Nunes is the greatest female fighter of all time. She's finished Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate and defeated current flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko on two occasions. Who can stop the Nunes train?

11:45 p.m.:  It is time for the co-main event of UFC 232 as Cris "Cyborg" Justino defends her women's featherweight championship against women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes. 

Cyborg (20-1 no contest) rolls into UFC 232 on one of the greatest runs in MMA history. Since losing her debut bout to Erica Paes in May 2005, Cyborg's gone unbeaten in 21 fights with 17 of those wins coming by stoppage. 

Not to be outdone, Nunes (16-4) is on an impressive run of her own, having won seven consecutive fights, including back-to-back stoppage wins over Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey. 

This is Cyborg's toughest test to date. Nunes has fought at 145 pounds before and isn't just competing here for a title fight. We have a chance to see the greatest women's bout of all time between the best females in the world.

Michael Chiesa submits Carlos Condit to make successful welterweight debut

11:35 p.m.: Chiesa def. Condit via submission (kimura) at 0:56 of the second round.  Superb effort by Chiesa. He finished Condit off by throwing a front kick and then secured the clinch and then a takedown. Chiesa grabbed Condit's left arm and quickly snatched it backward and Condit tapped out. 

Chiesa looked big at welterweight. How he ever made 155 pounds is mind-boggling. Should have been at the weight class a long time ago. His grappling was on another level against Condit. If he can continue to use it a higher weight class then watch out. 

That is five losses in a row for Condit. Think he needs to take a long hard look in the mirror and wonder if he still wants to do this.

11:29 p.m.:  Extraordinary grappling from Chiesa and Condit in the first round. Good takedowns by Chiesa and good jiu-jitsu by Condit as he had Chiesa in a triangle choke and a heel hook. 

11:20 p.m.:  Coming up next at UFC 232, No. 9-ranked Carlos Condit battles Michael Chiesa in welterweight action. Condit (30-12) is in a slump and needs a win in the worst possible way, losing four consecutive fights. Chiesa (14-4) is making his debut at 170 pounds after failing to make weight in his last fight against Anthony Pettis at UFC 226. Will Condit be able to regain what he once had when he was the interim welterweight champion or has time passed him by?

Corey Anderson outstrikes Ilir Latifi for decision victory

11:11 p.m.: Anderson def. Latifi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  Workmanlike showing by Anderson. He stays in the same rhythm and doesn't break from that. He weathered the Latifi storm in the first round and used his technique and skill to outpunch and outwork Latifi to win the last two rounds. And very smart by Anderson to make the most of his microphone time with Joe Rogan in calling out Anthony Smith. Pending on what happens in the main event that could be a probable fight.

10:48 p.m.:  Up next at UFC 232, No. 5-ranked Ilir Latifi takes on No. 10-ranked Corey Anderson light heavyweight action. Latifi (14-5, one no contest) comes in with some momentum, having won five of his last six outings while Anderson's rebounded from losing three of four to now winning his last two. Who will break from the pack and cement themselves as a contender at 205 pounds?

Alexander Volkanovski vaults himself into featherweight title contention, stopping Chad Mendes in the second round

10:38 p.m.: Volkanovski def. Mendes by TKO at 4:14 of the second round.  Great performance by Volkanovski. He finished Mendes off with a sharp left hand to the body followed by a right to the temple to crumble Mendes and the referee stepped in to stop the fight. 

After a good boxing display from both guys in the first round, the same happened in the second round. Mendes rocked Volkanovski with a right hand and scored a couple takedowns, but the 30-year-old survived the shot and got up every single time with ease. 

Mendes is one of the hardest punches and best wrestlers in the division and Volkanovski exemplified he could weather those storms and still implement an inordinate amount of pressure. A new contender has emerged at 145 pounds. It will be interesting to see who the UFC puts the Australian in with next.

10:27 p.m.:  Fun first round. Good striking from Mendes and Volkanovski. Mendes started to tire near the end of the round, while Volkanovski is a ball of fire. Something to watch out for as the fight goes on.

10:14 p.m.: Kicking off the main card of UFC 232 are featherweights Chad Mendes and Alexander Volkanovski. The No. 5-ranked Mendes (18-4) returned with a vengeance in July after a 2 1/2 year layoff, when he demolished Myles Jury with a first-round TKO. The No. 10-ranked Volkanovski (18-1) has taken the division by storm by beginning his UFC career with a 5-0 record and a 15-fight winning streak overall. Something has to give here. Can Mendes maintain his standing at 145 pounds or does the new guard start to takeover.

9:58 p.m.: Walt Harris def. Andrei Arlovski by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).  Beyond the horrid score for Arlovski, this was a snoozefest, which is a bit of a surprise considering it is the heavyweights. The biggest win of Harris' career.

9:47 p.m.:  One of the worst rounds this year in the second round. All Harris and Arlovski did was circle the cage and throw a lot of faints. They need to pick it up in the third round.

9:30 p.m.:  Time for the featured prelim at UFC 232 are heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Walt Harris. The No. 13-ranked Arlovski (27-17) has been uneven of late, going 2-2 in his last four, including losing back-to-back-fights. Like Arlovski, Harris' (11-7) been on the skids as well, having lost two of his last three. Something has to give here. Does the former UFC heavyweight champion have one more run in him or can Harris spring the upset and make a name for himself at the expense of Arlovski?

9:14 p.m.: Megan Anderson def. Cat Zingano by TKO at 1:01 of the first round.  An unusual circumstance that ended it. Anderson threw a left high kick and her toe went into Zingano's eyeball. Zingano turned right away like something was wrong and referee Marc Goddard quickly called the fight realizing Zingano couldn't continue. Right call by Goddard. A shame it went down that way considering this was a fight many were looking forward too. Don't think the win does much for Anderson since it ended the way it did.

9:04 p.m.:  Next at UFC 232, Megan Anderson faces Cat Zingano in women's featherweight action. Anderson, (8-3), the former Invicta FC featherweight titleholder, had an unsuccessful UFC debut at UFC 225 when she lost a lopsided decision to Holly Holm. Zingano (10-3) makes her debut at 145 pounds after competing at flyweight and bantamweight her whole career. The winner is likely to be in line to face the winner of the co-main event between Cris Cyborg and Amanda Nunes.

8:52 p.m.: Petr Yan def. Douglas de Andrade by TKO at 5:00 of the second round.  de Andrade's corner told the referee and the ringside doctor that their guy could no longer continue. Yan laid a vicious beating for the latter half of the round with a barrage of sharp elbows with de Andrade finding no way to get out. Nice to see a corner look out for their fighter. Way too often we see these males and females taking unnecessary punishment. Hopefully, this is a start of a trend. Impressive showing from Yan. Great hands, good wrestling and good stamina. The 25-year-old is someone to be reckoned with at 135 pounds, as he's now won six in a row.

 

 

8:30 p.m.:  Right now at UFC 232, No. 14-ranked Douglas Silva de Andrade fights Petr Yan in bantamweight action. Since getting into the UFC after going unbeaten in 22 bouts, de Andrade's (25-2, one no contest) gone 3-2 in the UFC. Yan's (10-1) on a five-fight winning streak. de Andrade and Yan were scheduled to meet in August, but de Andrade pulled out with a foot injury. Interesting matchup between two prospects at 135 pounds. 

8:21 p.m.: Ryan Hall def. BJ Penn via submission (heel hook) at 2:46 of the first round.  A crafty finish by Hall, as he threw a light outside leg kick, grabbed Penn's leg, rolled over with his leg in a firm grasp and grabbed his foot. One twist and Penn immediately tapped out. Give a ton of credit to Hall. He stayed primarily on the ground and tried to goad Penn to his world. When he finally got the legendary fighter there, it was all over and extends his winning streak to seven. For Penn, this has to be the end. I don't care who you are. Six losses in a row either gets you cut or it is time to retire. Penn has nothing to prove to nobody. He's one of the all time greats and deserves to be remembered for what he did to put the sport on the map, instead of what he is today.

8:00 p.m.:  Welcome to Sporting News' live coverage of UFC 232. Starting the action will be BJ Penn taking on Ryan Hall in lightweight action. Penn, (16-12-2) the former lightweight and welterweight champion is in dire need of a win, having lost five consecutive fights. After losing his first career bout, Hall's (6-1) reeled off six straight wins. Hall is a submission specialist who likes to take the fight to the mat. Weird to see the Hall of Famer competing on the prelims. He's back at his natural weight class for the first time since 2010, so does the first two-division UFC champion have anything left or is this a passing of the torch?

UFC 232 fight card

Main card

  • Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson for vacant Light Heavyweight title
  • Cris Cyborg (c) vs. Amanda Nunes (c) for Cyborg's Women's Featherweight title
  • Carlos Condit vs. Michael Chiesa; Welterweight 
  • Ilir Latifi vs. Corey Anderson; Light Heavyweight 
  • Chad Mendes vs. Alexander Volkanovski; Featherweight 

Preliminary Card 

  • Andrei Arlovski vs. Walt Harris; Heavyweight 
  • Cat Zingano vs. Megan Anderson; Women's Featherweight 
  • Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Petr Yan; Bantamweight 
  • BJ Penn vs. Ryan Hall; Lightweight 
  • Brian Kelleher vs. Montel Jackson; Bantamweight 
  • Andre Ewell vs. Nathaniel Wood; Bantamweight 
  • Uriah Hall vs. Bevon Lewis; Middleweight 
  • Curtis Millender vs. Siyar Bahadurzada; Welterweight 

UFC 232 latest news 

- Jon Jones explains to Sporting News that a dominant performance against Alexander Gustafsson is of the utmost importance.

- Amanda Nunes tells SN why a win over Cris Cyborg makes her the greatest female fighter of all time.

- Jones is regarded by many as the greatest fighter in the history of MMA. But his career is just like the person who has the most career home runs in Major League Baseball .

- There are plenty of great fighters taking center stage at UFC 232. We explain why Alexander Volkanovski is the one to watch out for .

- Want to make some money? Here's what you should bet on in the main event of UFC 232?

Steven Muehlhausen

Steven Muehlhausen Photo

Steven Muehlhausen is a contributing writer for DAZN News. He writes features and news stories, and provides analysis relating to the world of boxing. Over the past five years, he has interviewed some of the biggest names in combat sports, including Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Bill Goldberg.