Coach Brandon Gibson Surprised People Thought Jon Jones-Thiago Santos Was Close

Jon Jones successfully defended his light heavyweight title at UFC 239 earlier this month when he beat Brazilian powerhouse Thiago Santos by split decision. According to Jones’ striking coach, Brandon Gibson, he was surprised to hear that people thought the fight was close.

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White stated after the event that he believed Jones had dictated the entire fight and had never been in real danger, an analysis with which Gibson agrees.

The Jackson-Wink MMA fixture spoke to MMAFighting.com recently and said his fighter did enough throughout the fight, particularly later on, to claim a one-sided win:

“I was surprised. It is part of our job as coaches and trainers to be aware of how a round could have gone. We knew the first round was ultra-competitive but I thought [rounds] 2 through 5 were clearly Jon and I thought we were up.

“We weren’t asking Jon to coast or fight safe or anything like that or protect the lead. We’re always hunting. I was surprised that one judge saw it that way and I was a little surprised some media members I really respect saw it in Thiago’s favor.”

Jones has suggested on his Twitter account that he wants another quick return with a bout in December asking any potential opponents at light heavyweight to step forward. Santos, on the other hand, came out of the fight much worse for wear, damaging several ligaments in his knee, and will be out of action until next year.