Jon Jones vs Rashad Evans — Fight recap

Jon Jones defeated Rashad Evans by unanimous decision over five rounds at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012, with referee Herb Dean officiating. Jones controlled the striking exchanges with 105 significant strikes landed at 49% accuracy compared to Evans's 45 significant strikes at just 29%, establishing a clear striking advantage throughout the bout.

Jones landed 68 head strikes and effectively utilized his leg kicks, connecting on 18 of 23 attempts, while Evans struggled to find his range and failed on all four takedown attempts. Though neither fighter secured significant control time, Jones's superior striking volume and accuracy—particularly his 49% significant strike percentage versus Evans's 29%—proved decisive across all five rounds.

The victory solidified Jones's position as the light heavyweight division's elite striker and set the stage for his continued rise toward a title shot.