10 UFC Fighters Who Had Perfect Performances Inside The Octagon
4. Jon Jones Vs. Shogun Rua - UFC 128
Putting a young fighter with very little experience against a legend like Shogun Rua sounds like a case for attempted murder in most circumstances. However, most inexperienced, young fighters aren't as special as Jon Jones.
In a sense, Rua was almost guaranteed to lose this title fight as soon as Jones was announced as his short notice replacement. The Brazilian had been preparing for Rashad Evans, who was a much shorter opponent and far more of a conventional boxer-wrestler type. Jones' long arms and creative striking was extremely different to Evans and something that Rua clearly wasn't prepared for.
Jones, however, knew exactly what to do and took the opportunity to beat Shogun to a pulp, battering every inch of his body with a variety of strikes. It must've been a disheartening moment for the Pride legend, as he watched helplessly as this young upstart dismantled him piece by piece. However, Jones simply knew what was required to not only take the title from Shogun, but make sure he made a name for himself in the process.