LAS VEGAS -- It was hardly a vintage Jon Jones performance. In fact, it was probably one of the most lackluster efforts in his long reign as UFC light heavyweight champion.
In the end, though, it was enough for Jones to win a split decision against a very tough Thiago Santos and retain his title in the main event of UFC 239 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
Two judges scored it 48-47 for Jones, while a third judge had it 48-47 for Santos.
Jones, regarded as perhaps the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter of all time, acknowledged afterward that Santos made him look "bad" and that Santos' strategy of focusing on leg kicks to Jones' calf was very effective.