UFC 152: Jones Survives Belfort’s Armbar
UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort took place on September 22, 2012, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Jon Jones survived a dangerous first-round armbar before submitting Vitor Belfort in round four to retain the UFC light heavyweight championship. In the co-main event, Demetrious Johnson defeated Joseph Benavidez by split decision to become the first UFC flyweight champion.
Jones survives his biggest early scare as champion
Belfort nearly ended the fight in the opening round when he trapped Jones in a tight armbar from his back. Jones refused to submit, escaped, and gradually imposed his top game with elbows and ground control.
In round four Jones isolated Belfort’s right arm and finished an Americana at 54 seconds. The submission gave Jones another successful title defense and earned Submission of the Night.
Johnson becomes the inaugural UFC flyweight champion
Johnson and Benavidez met over five rounds to decide the promotion’s first 125-pound champion. Johnson relied on movement, speed, and repeated changes of angle, while Benavidez threatened with heavier single strikes and a tight guillotine during the fight.
The judges returned scores of 48–47 Johnson, 49–46 Johnson, and 49–46 Benavidez. The split decision made Johnson the first UFC flyweight champion and began the longest title reign in the division’s history.
Bisping, Hamill, and Swanson win on the main card
Michael Bisping defeated Brian Stann by unanimous decision, mixing takedowns with higher striking volume after a competitive opening round. Matt Hamill returned from retirement and outpointed Roger Hollett. Cub Swanson stopped Charles Oliveira in the first round, earning Knockout of the Night.
Grant and Dunham lead a strong preliminary card
T.J. Grant defeated Evan Dunham by unanimous decision in a bloody lightweight fight that earned Fight of the Night. Vinny Magalhaes submitted Igor Pokrajac with an armbar in round two. Sean Pierson, Marcus Brimage, Seth Baczynski, Mitch Gagnon, and Kyle Noke also earned victories.
Complete UFC 152 results
Main card
- Jon Jones def. Vitor Belfort — submission (Americana); round 4, 0:54. Jones retained the UFC light heavyweight championship.
- Demetrious Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez — split decision; round 5, 5:00. Johnson won the inaugural UFC flyweight championship.
- Michael Bisping def. Brian Stann — unanimous decision; round 3, 5:00.
- Matt Hamill def. Roger Hollett — unanimous decision; round 3, 5:00.
- Cub Swanson def. Charles Oliveira — KO (punches); round 1, 2:40.
Preliminary card
- T.J. Grant def. Evan Dunham — unanimous decision; round 3, 5:00.
- Vinny Magalhaes def. Igor Pokrajac — submission (armbar); round 2, 1:14.
- Sean Pierson def. Lance Benoist — unanimous decision; round 3, 5:00.
- Marcus Brimage def. Jimy Hettes — unanimous decision; round 3, 5:00.
- Seth Baczynski def. Simeon Thoresen — KO (punch); round 1, 4:10.
- Mitch Gagnon def. Walel Watson — submission (rear-naked choke); round 1, 1:09.
- Kyle Noke def. Charlie Brenneman — TKO (punches); round 1, 0:45.
UFC 152 combined Jones’s escape from serious danger with the birth of the UFC flyweight championship and a deep preliminary card. Explore more of our MMA coverage.
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UFC 152, Jon Jones, Vitor Belfort, Demetrious Johnson, Joseph Benavidez, UFC Championship
