The main event at UFC 232 saw Jon Jones welcomed back to the octagon after serving an almost 18-month ban after testing positive for banned substances.
His opponent was Alexander Gustafsson who had previously competed for the UFC Light Hevyweight Championship at UFC 165 in 2013
This fight - a repeat of that bout to mark Jones’ comeback - sensationally had to be moved a little over a week ago after a trace of a steroid in Jones’ system.
The controversy did little to deter Bones from producing a blistering performance that left Gustafsson absolutely helpless.
In the third round, Jones took the advantage and got his takedown. With the Swede on the canvas, Jones launched blow after blow to Gustafsson’s skull, after a weak half-guard failed to contain the New Yorker.
After the fight and reclaiming his belt, Jones took the time to passionately call out rival Daniel Cormier who had been outspoken about Jones’ drug violations before - and indeed after - the fight to potentially set up a feisty future encounter.
“I know there’s a guy who’s been calling himself Champ-Champ,"
Jones told Joe Rogan post-fight,
“I mean, what guy just gives up his belt because somebody else made it home,
“Daddy's home DC, prove to the fans you’re a champ-champ, come get a taste, I’m here come get your belt back, I'll be waiting right here."
If that does go ahead, Jones could be attempting to be a two-division champion, and Cormier will be facing the only fighter who he has ever been beaten by.
For now, you can watch Gustafsson at Jones’ mercy in a fantastic, frenetic flurry of blows via the footage provided below.
On his return to the octagon, it took less than three rounds...
Jones takes the belt back in emphatic fashion 👊
#UFC232
