UFC 247 was one of the most talked-about MMA events of 2020, primarily due to the main event which featured light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones defending his title against the undefeated Dominick “The Devastator” Reyes. Held on February 8, 2020, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, UFC 247 provided fans with a night of compelling matchups, controversial decisions, and unforgettable performances.
Main Event Breakdown: Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes
Heading into the fight, Jon Jones was considered by many as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. With a record of 25-1 (1 NC), Jones had defended his belt multiple times, displaying unmatched agility, fight IQ, and adaptability inside the Octagon. His opponent, Dominick Reyes, was an undefeated rising star with a record of 12-0 and an impressive resume that included knockouts and decisions over respected fighters like Volkan Oezdemir and Jared Cannonier.
The bout was scheduled for five rounds and lived up to its expectations, eventually going the distance. Reyes came out aggressive, using his athleticism and sharp striking to challenge the champion early. He landed clean shots in the first three rounds and showcased exceptional movement. Many spectators believed Reyes had built a strong lead during the first half of the fight.
Jones, known for his ability to adapt mid-fight, found his rhythm in the later rounds. He increased his wrestling attempts, pressure, and cage control. Rounds four and five were particularly strong for Jones, who appeared more dominant as Reyes slowed down.
In the end, the judges scored the fight unanimously for Jon Jones: 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. The decision was met with considerable backlash, with many fighters, fans, and analysts arguing Reyes had done enough to win the first three rounds. The controversial call sparked renewed debates about judging criteria in MMA.
Co-Main Event and Notable Fights
The co-main event featured a dominant performance by Valentina Shevchenko as she defended her women’s flyweight title against Kathlyn Chookagian. Shevchenko’s precision striking and well-rounded game proved too much for Chookagian, and she finished the fight with a TKO in the third round.
Additional highlights from the UFC 247 main card included:
- Justin Tafa knocked out Juan Adams in a heavyweight showcase early in the first round.
- Dan Ige defeated Mirsad Bektic via split decision in a tightly contested featherweight bout.
- Derrick Lewis, fighting in his hometown of Houston, earned a close decision win over Ilir Latifi.
Aftermath and Impact
The result of Jones vs. Reyes had major implications for the light heavyweight division. While Jones retained his title, doubts persisted over his dominance. Many began to wonder if younger talent like Reyes had finally closed the gap. Interestingly, Jon Jones would later vacate the 205-pound belt to pursue a run at heavyweight, which further fueled speculation about a rematch that never came to pass under those division rules.
For Dominick Reyes, the close loss elevated his profile despite the result. He was seen as one of the few fighters who had truly pushed Jones to the limit. Although subsequent losses have since dimmed his shine, his performance at UFC 247 remains a career highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who won the fight between Jon Jones and Dominick Reyes?
A: Jon Jones won via unanimous decision with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. - Q: Was the decision controversial?
A: Yes, many fans and analysts felt Dominick Reyes had done enough to win the fight, especially the first three rounds. - Q: What was the co-main event of UFC 247?
A: Valentina Shevchenko defended her flyweight championship against Kathlyn Chookagian, winning via third-round TKO. - Q: Did this fight lead to a rematch?
A: No official rematch occurred, as Jon Jones later vacated the title to move up to the heavyweight division. - Q: Where did UFC 247 take place?
A: The event was held at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
UFC 247 will be remembered not only for the quality of its fights but also for the fierce debate it triggered about judging standards in MMA. It was a defining moment in the careers of both Jon Jones and Dominick Reyes — one that fans and historians will continue to discuss for years to come.