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UFC 239
UFC 239
UFC 239
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UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos
The poster for UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos
PromotionUltimate Fighting Championship
DateJuly 6, 2019 (2019-07-06)
VenueT-Mobile Arena
CityParadise, Nevada
Attendance18,358[1]
Total gate$6,063,707.11[1]
Event chronology
UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos UFC Fight Night: de Randamie vs. Ladd

UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that was held on July 6, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area.[2][3]

Background

[edit]

A UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout between current two-time champion Jon Jones and Thiago Santos served as the event headliner.[4]

A UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship bout between the current champion Amanda Nunes (also current UFC Women's Featherweight Champion) and former champion Holly Holm served as the event co-headliner.[4]

A bout between former UFC Heavyweight title challenger Francis Ngannou and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos was scheduled to take place at this event.[5] The matchup was originally scheduled to take place in September 2017 at UFC 215, but dos Santos pulled out of that event, citing a failed drug test.[6] However, it was reported on May 21, that the bout was being moved to headline UFC on ESPN 3 after former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley was forced to pull out of his rematch against also former champion Robbie Lawler due to a hand injury.[7]

A featherweight bout between former Strikeforce and WEC Lightweight Champion (as well as former UFC Lightweight Championship challenger) Gilbert Melendez and Arnold Allen headlined the prelims of the event.[8] The matchup was originally scheduled to take place in November 2018 at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale, however Melendez pulled out of the fight citing an injury.[9]

A bantamweight bout between The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America bantamweight winner Alejandro Pérez and Song Yadong took place at this event.[10] The matchup was originally scheduled to take place in March 2019 at UFC 235, but Song pulled out of the fight for undisclosed reasons.[11]

Sean O'Malley was expected to face Marlon Vera at the event. However, O'Malley announced his withdrawal from the bout on June 21 due a failed test for ostarine. The Nevada State Athletic Commission decided to suspend him due to the failed test, however the United States Anti Doping Association USADA did not impose any further sanctions. The ostarine in his system was likely residual from his previously failed test prior to UFC 229.[12] Drako Rodriguez from King of the Cage was offered to replaced O'Malley initially; however the president of the promotion, Terry Trebilcock, refused to release him.[13] Nohelin Hernandez served as the replacement.[14]

Melissa Gatto was scheduled to face Julia Avila at the event. However, Gatto was removed from the card on June 24 for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by returning veteran Pannie Kianzad.[15]

UFC 239 served as the first UFC to air on PPV in the United Kingdom. Following this event select UFC numbered events will now air on BT Sport Box Office in the United Kingdom.

Results

[edit]
Main card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Light Heavyweight Jon Jones (c) def. Thiago Santos Decision (split) (47–48, 48–47, 48–47) 5 5:00 [a]
Women's Bantamweight Amanda Nunes (c) def. Holly Holm TKO (head kick and punches) 1 4:10 [b]
Welterweight Jorge Masvidal def. Ben Askren KO (flying knee) 1 0:05 [c]
Light Heavyweight Jan Błachowicz def. Luke Rockhold KO (punches) 2 1:39
Welterweight Michael Chiesa def. Diego Sanchez Decision (unanimous) (30–26, 30–26, 30–26) 3 5:00
Preliminary card (ESPN)
Featherweight Arnold Allen def. Gilbert Melendez Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) 3 5:00
Bantamweight Marlon Vera def. Nohelin Hernandez Submission (rear-naked choke) 2 3:25
Women's Strawweight Cláudia Gadelha def. Randa Markos Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) 3 5:00
Bantamweight Song Yadong def. Alejandro Pérez KO (punch) 1 2:04
Early Preliminary card (UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+)
Middleweight Edmen Shahbazyan def. Jack Marshman Submission (rear-naked choke) 1 1:12
Welterweight Chance Rencountre def. Ismail Naurdiev Decision (unanimous) (29–27, 29–28, 30–27) 3 5:00
Women's Bantamweight Julia Avila def. Pannie Kianzad Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–26, 30–26) 3 5:00
  1. ^ For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
  2. ^ For the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.
  3. ^ Fastest knockout in UFC history.

[16]

Bonus awards

[edit]

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses:[17]

  • Fight of the Night: No bonus awarded.
  • Performance of the Night: Amanda Nunes, Jorge Masvidal, Jan Błachowicz, and Yadong Song

Reported payout

[edit]

The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. It does not include sponsor money and also does not include the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses. The total disclosed payroll for the event was $3,331,000.[18]

  • Jon Jones: $500,000 (no win bonus) def. Thiago Santos: $350,000
  • Amanda Nunes: $500,000 (includes $200,000 win bonus) def. Holly Holm: $300,000
  • Jorge Masvidal: $200,000 (includes $100,000 win bonus) def. Ben Askren: $210,000
  • Jan Błachowicz: $92,000 (includes $46,000 win bonus) def. Luke Rockhold: $200,000
  • Michael Chiesa: $104,000 (includes $52,000 win bonus) def. Diego Sanchez: $103,000
  • Arnold Allen: $64,000 (includes $32,000 win bonus) def. Gilbert Melendez: $200,000
  • Marlon Vera: $96,000 (includes $48,000 win bonus) def. Nohelin Hernandez: $12,000
  • Cláudia Gadelha: $102,000 (includes $52,000 win bonus) def. Randa Markos: $30,000
  • Song Yadong: $90,000 (includes $45,000 win bonus) def. Alejandro Pérez: $42,000
  • Edmen Shahbazyan: $32,000 (includes $16,000 win bonus) def. Jack Marshman: $30,000
  • Chance Recountre: $28,000 (includes $14,000 win bonus) def. Ismail Naurdiev: $14,000
  • Julia Avila: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus) def. Pannie Kianzad: $12,000

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

UFC 239

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from Grokipedia
UFC 239 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that took place on July 6, 2019, at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The event featured 12 bouts, headlined by a light heavyweight championship fight between defending champion Jon Jones and challenger Thiago Santos, with the co-main event pitting women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes against former champion Holly Holm. Broadcast on pay-per-view following ESPN-televised prelims, UFC 239 drew significant attention for its high-profile title defenses and standout performances. In the main event, retained his title via a controversial victory over after five rounds, with Jones' leg kicks and control offsetting Santos' powerful striking that reportedly caused Jones a . The co-main event saw solidify her status as a dominant force by knocking out in the first round with a high kick, marking her third title defense. A highlight of the card was welterweight Jorge Masvidal's record-setting five-second knockout of in the welterweight bout, the fastest finish in UFC history, achieved via a flying . Other notable results included Jan Błachowicz's second-round TKO of in the light heavyweight division, earning him a future title shot. The event's undercard featured victories for fighters like Claudia Gadelha over and over Nohelin Hernandez, contributing to a night of competitive action that underscored the UFC's premier status in MMA. UFC 239 generated substantial revenue, with a reported gate of $6,063,707 and strong buys, reflecting its appeal amid the promotion's growing partnership.

Event Details

Date and Venue

UFC 239 was held on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at the in , a suburb adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip. The venue, which opened on April 6, 2016, features a flexible seating configuration that accommodates up to 20,000 spectators for events, making it a key location for high-profile UFC cards. The event attracted an of 18,358, reflecting strong fan interest in the double-title fight headliner. Broadcast in Eastern Daylight Time, the early preliminary card began at 6:15 p.m. EDT, followed by the preliminary card at 8:00 p.m. EDT, and the main card at 10:00 p.m. EDT. This scheduling aligned with the arena's role as UFC's primary home since 2017, hosting multiple sold-out spectacles that underscore its status as a premier combat sports destination.

Promotion and Broadcast

UFC 239 was promoted by the (UFC), the leading organization, as part of its flagship numbered pay-per-view series held during International Fight Week. The event's main card aired exclusively on pay-per-view via in the , priced at $59.99 for subscribers or $79.99 bundled with an ESPN+ annual subscription, marking a key milestone in the UFC's partnership with following their 2018 media rights deal. Preliminary bouts were broadcast on and starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, while early prelims began at 6:15 p.m. ET on and . In the , UFC 239 marked the promotion's first pay-per-view offering on BT Sport Box , available for £19.95 on top of the standard BT Sport subscription, a move that sparked controversy among fans accustomed to included coverage. Marketing campaigns emphasized the blockbuster double title fight main card, billing it as a showcase of the UFC's top champions in Jon Jones and Amanda Nunes defending their belts. Promotional materials, including the official event poster released in May 2019, prominently featured Jones and Nunes alongside challengers Thiago Santos and Holly Holm to build anticipation for the summer spectacle. ESPN+ ran targeted advertising spots, such as "UFC 239: It's On," highlighting the high-stakes matchups to drive subscriptions and purchases. The event's positioning as a premier summer pay-per-view was reinforced by its alignment with International Fight Week activities, including fan experiences and media events in Las Vegas. Viewership metrics underscored the event's draw, with the ESPN prelims averaging 1.145 million viewers, the third-highest for a UFC prelim card on ESPN in 2019 up to that point—establishing UFC 239 as one of the promotion's strongest non-McGregor-led offerings in 2019. Specific pay-per-view buy figures were not publicly disclosed due to the integrated ESPN+ model, but the strong preliminary numbers indicated robust global interest. Sponsorships played a central role in the event's production, with serving as the official outfitter providing branded apparel and fight kits for athletes under the UFC's exclusive uniform policy. Modelo Especial acted as the official beer sponsor, integrating branding into broadcast graphics, signage, and promotional activations to enhance visibility during the event.

Fight Card

Main Card

The main card of UFC 239, broadcast on via ESPN+ starting at 10:00 p.m. ET on , 2019, featured four bouts highlighting elite matchups across multiple divisions, including two championship defenses. These fights were selected for their competitive stakes and star power, drawing significant anticipation from fans and analysts. The pay-per-view opener was a bout between and , contested at the 205-pound limit. This non-title fight pitted the Polish striker Błachowicz against the American former champion Rockhold, known for his grappling and kickboxing background. Next was a matchup at 170 pounds between and . Masvidal, known for his striking power, met Askren, a wrestling specialist and former Olympian, in what was billed as a stylistic contrast. Serving as the co-main event, women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes defended her 135-pound title against former champion Holly Holm in a scheduled five-round bout. Nunes, holding dual-division supremacy at the time, faced Holm, a former boxing champion seeking to reclaim the belt she once won via upset. The main event capped the card with light heavyweight champion Jon Jones defending his 205-pound title against Thiago Santos in another five-round championship fight. Jones, the long-reigning division kingpin, encountered Santos, a knockout artist on a winning streak, in a test of technical mastery versus raw power.

Preliminary Card

The preliminary card for UFC 239 consisted of three bouts broadcast on and , airing from 8:00 p.m. ET on July 6, 2019, following the early preliminary card on and . These mid-card matchups showcased a mix of fighters and rising prospects, contributing to the event's overall depth and serving as a bridge to the main card's high-profile title fights. Each bout was scheduled for three five-minute rounds, adhering to standard non-title format rules under the Unified Rules of . The fights spanned multiple weight divisions, highlighting the promotion's diverse roster:
Weight ClassBout
(170 lbs)Diego Sanchez vs.
Featherweight (145 lbs) vs. Gilbert Melendez
Bantamweight (135 lbs) vs. Nohelin Hernandez
This segment of the card emphasized competitive pairings designed to maintain viewer engagement, with fighters from various regions including the , , , and .

Early Preliminary Card

The early preliminary card for UFC 239 featured five bouts streamed exclusively on , marking the entry point for viewers to the event held on July 6, 2019, at in , . These opening fights began at 6:15 p.m. ET and showcased a mix of emerging talents and veterans across different weight classes, setting the tone for the night's action without delving into higher-stakes narratives. The matchups highlighted prospects vying for breakthroughs alongside seasoned competitors, with particular attention on undefeated middleweight Edmen Shahbazyan, a 21-year-old rising star entering his second UFC appearance after a dominant debut earlier in 2019, generating significant hype as a potential future contender in the division. In the welterweight division, Ismail Naurdiev, a 22-year-old Austrian prospect fresh off an upset victory in his prior outing, faced Chance Rencountre, who was making his promotional debut after competing on the regional scene. The women's bantamweight bout pitted debutante Julia Avila against Pannie Kianzad, a former Ultimate Fighter contestant stepping in on short notice to test the newcomer in a pivotal early-career matchup. Additional fights included a bantamweight clash between Song Yadong and Alejandro Perez, and a women's strawweight bout between Claudia Gadelha and Randa Markos.
BoutWeight ClassFighters
1Women's (135 lbs) vs.
2 (170 lbs)Ismail Naurdiev vs. Chance Rencountre
3Middleweight (185 lbs) vs. Jack Marshman
4 (135 lbs)Alejandro Perez vs.
5Women's Strawweight (115 lbs)Claudia Gadelha vs.
These fights underscored the UFC's commitment to blending grassroots-level development with the event's overall roster, providing a platform for under-the-radar talents to gain visibility ahead of the preliminary and main card escalations.

Background

Title Fights Build-Up

The main event of UFC 239 featured UFC champion defending his title against the surging , a matchup steeped in Jones' ongoing controversies and Santos' reputation for devastating striking power. Jones entered the bout amid persistent scrutiny from his history of failed drug tests, including a 15-month suspension ending in 2018 for the use of Turinabol, with subsequent tests revealing trace amounts of related metabolites as late as 2019. This marked Jones' second title defense since reclaiming the belt at , building on a legacy of dominance in the division despite the external pressures. Santos, a Brazilian knockout specialist with 17 of his 21 professional wins by stoppage, earned his shot through a series of impressive performances, including a third-round TKO of at , positioning him as a dangerous underdog capable of exploiting any vulnerability in Jones' game. In the co-main event, women's champion put her title on the line in her second defense of the 135-pound belt against former champion , highlighting Nunes' quest for dual-division supremacy following her recent featherweight conquest. Nunes had previously retained the strap against at before capturing the vacant featherweight title from at , solidifying her status as one of the most versatile and powerful fighters in UFC history. Holm, renowned for her elite background, with a professional record of 33-2-3 including multiple world titles in three weight classes before transitioning to MMA, sought a career resurgence after dethroning in 2015. After dethroning Rousey, Holm had gone 2-2 in the UFC, including a win over and a controversial loss to , as well as a victory over to win the vacant featherweight title, positioning UFC 239 as a pivotal opportunity to reclaim elite status. At the official weigh-ins held at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in on July 5, 2019, all fighters, including Jones (205 pounds) and Santos (205 pounds) as well as Nunes (135 pounds) and Holm (135 pounds), successfully made weight without incident, officially greenlighting the championship bouts. However, the ceremonial faceoffs were charged with intensity, particularly between Jones and Santos, where the two exchanged heated stares amid verbal jabs from Santos criticizing Jones' off-octagon behavior. UFC 239 was promoted as a blockbuster event featuring dual title defenses, emphasizing the "unstoppable force" of headliners Jones and Nunes against formidable challengers, drawing significant hype through ESPN+ trailers and posters that underscored the high stakes of the Las Vegas card.

Non-Title Bouts Context

The bout between and pitted a seasoned striker against a dominant , highlighting contrasting styles in a high-profile non-title matchup. Masvidal, a native with a reputation for sharp and knockout power, entered the fight on a two-fight following a 16-month , aiming to reinsert himself into the division's elite conversation. Askren, meanwhile, brought an impeccable wrestling pedigree as a two-time and former Bellator welterweight titleholder who was undefeated overall at 19-0 before joining the UFC in 2018, having gone 9-0 in Bellator. The stylistic clash was amplified by personal animosity, as the fighters engaged in heated during the buildup, with Masvidal labeling Askren a "fake" and "coward" for his perceived hypocrisy in criticizing others' styles while promoting his own grappling-heavy approach. A victory for either would stake a strong claim in the crowded title picture dominated by . In the middleweight division, faced Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in a pivotal encounter between two perennial contenders seeking to rebound from recent setbacks and position themselves for another championship opportunity. , a 42-year-old Cuban powerhouse and 2000 Olympic silver medalist in , was renowned for his freakish athleticism, explosive takedowns, and devastating striking that had earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. Souza, a 39-year-old black belt and former Strikeforce , countered with world-class submission skills, having secured 16 of his 26 wins by tapout, including notable UFC victories over fighters like . Both had suffered decision losses to then-champion Robert Whittaker in the prior year— in a controversial at and Souza in a unanimous verdict at —making this fight a critical eliminator to re-establish momentum in a division led by following his title win over Whittaker. Other undercard bouts added depth to the event, showcasing emerging talents and strategic career moves. Unbeaten prospect , a 21-year-old Armenian-American with an 8-0 professional record including first-round finishes in his first five fights, made his UFC debut against , representing a key opportunity for the surging to break into the rankings. Meanwhile, flyweight champion entered her title defense against amid discussions of her potential transition to , having dominated the division with six straight UFC wins and three title defenses since claiming the belt in late 2018, signaling her interest in testing herself against larger competition like . Cross-promotional ties enriched the card, particularly through Askren's background as a Bellator standout who had headlined events there for years before his UFC move, underscoring the ongoing talent exchange between major promotions.

Pre-Event Events

The Ultimate Media Day for UFC 239 took place on July 4, 2019, in , featuring press conferences, fighter interviews, and faceoffs that amplified pre-fight hype through exchanges of . Notable moments included verbal sparring between contenders and , with Askren questioning Masvidal's intensity during a scrum, while champion and challenger engaged in a tense staredown during the proceedings. The event attracted local media and press outlets, providing extensive coverage of the fighters' preparations and personalities ahead of the main card bouts. Open workouts associated with the media day occurred the previous day, July 3, 2019, at the MGM Grand casino in , where top fighters like Jones, Santos, , and demonstrated techniques for attending fans and reporters. These sessions, open to the public, highlighted the athletes' physical readiness and contributed to the growing excitement surrounding the event. The ceremonial weigh-ins were held on July 5, 2019, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, following early official weigh-ins at the UFC host hotel, with all 24 fighters across 12 bouts successfully making weight and no fines imposed. The public event drew a full house of spectators, intensifying the atmosphere through heated staredowns, particularly between Masvidal and Askren, where physical posturing and verbal jabs escalated their rivalry on stage. These ceremonial elements served to heighten tensions and finalize the buildup for the July 6 event at the same venue.

Results

Main Event Recap

The main event of UFC 239 featured UFC Light Heavyweight Champion defending his title against the surging contender on July 6, 2019, at in . The bout was a high-stakes striking war, with both fighters emphasizing stand-up exchanges over , testing Jones' undefeated streak against Santos' knockout power. In the opening round, Santos came out aggressively, landing multiple low s to Jones' lead leg that immediately reddened and began to swell the champion's thigh. Jones responded with probing jabs and a spinning back kick to the body, but Santos' pressure and a right hook that dislodged Jones' mouthpiece allowed the challenger to control the pace and dictate the striking volume. Many observers, including media outlets, scored the round 10-9 for Santos due to his effective aggression and visible damage inflicted. Jones adjusted in Round 2, targeting Santos' legs with oblique and low kicks that visibly buckled the challenger's early, hinting at structural damage. Santos countered with heavy combinations, including a left hook that grazed Jones, but the champion's footwork and a that staggered Santos late in the frame shifted momentum. Jones' strategic variety earned him the round on most scorecards, 10-9, as he began to exploit Santos' compromised mobility. By Round 3, both fighters' legs showed signs of wear—Jones limping slightly from accumulated calf kicks, while Santos' worsened, limiting his output. Jones landed a slicing elbow that opened a cut near Santos' temple and followed with a spinning back attempt, maintaining control. Santos connected with a to the body and counter left hands, causing Jones to wince and marking the most visible damage the champion had absorbed in years, but Jones' higher volume secured a 10-9 edge for him. The championship rounds intensified the debate over effective striking. In Round 4, Santos pressed forward despite his hobbling leg, landing a straight left that rocked Jones and a series of low kicks that further impaired the champion's base, leading to a pronounced limp. Jones countered with jabs and another spinning back kick that missed but disrupted rhythm, though the round's scoring split among judges—10-9 Santos on one card, 10-9 Jones on the others—highlighted the closeness. Round 5 saw Santos summoning urgency with forward pressure and a left hook, but his damaged buckled on kicks, allowing Jones to circle safely with leg kicks and jabs, avoiding risks in a tactical 10-9 round for the champion on two cards. Jones retained the light heavyweight title via (48-47, 48-47, 47-48), a razor-thin victory that marked the first time in his career a scored a fight against him and his first decision since a over in 2015. The scoring proved highly controversial, with some media members and fans favoring Santos due to his impactful counters and damage, though the majority of media scores (78%) went to Jones based on his overall control and volume striking. Post-fight, Jones was seen limping severely and required assistance to the locker room, later undergoing surgery for a sustained from the leg kicks absorbed. Santos, meanwhile, revealed tears to his ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus in his left , sidelining him for over a year but earning widespread respect for his warrior performance.

Co-Main Event Recap

In the co-main event of UFC 239, women's champion defended her title against former champion in a highly anticipated matchup. Nunes, entering on a six-fight winning streak, immediately asserted dominance by pressuring Holm with sharp jabs and low kicks from the opening moments, forcing Holm to circle and rely on her signature footwork to maintain distance. Holm responded with counters, including a jab that briefly off-balanced Nunes and side-line low kicks, but struggled to close the gap against the champion's forward movement. As the round progressed, Holm initiated a blitz into the clinch in an attempt to initiate exchanges, but Nunes countered effectively by landing knees to the body and securing a trip , though Holm quickly returned to her feet. Nunes capitalized on the momentum, unleashing a powerful left hook followed by a body and a right hook that tested Holm's chin. The action intensified when Nunes feinted to draw Holm in, then delivered a devastating right to the head that dropped Holm to the canvas at approximately 4:10 into the round. Nunes swarmed with ground-and-pound punches, prompting referee Marc Goddard to intervene for a TKO victory via head and punches. Throughout the brief bout, Nunes showcased superior striking, landing 17 of 35 significant strikes (49%). The victory marked Nunes' seventh consecutive win and her tenth overall triumph in the UFC, further cementing her reputation as the greatest female fighter in the promotion's through consistent dominance across divisions. For Holm, the loss represented her second defeat in a bantamweight title bout, following her relinquishment of the to in 2016, and highlighted ongoing challenges in reclaiming elite contention despite her storied background as a former titleholder.

Undercard Outcomes

The undercard of UFC 239 featured several competitive non-title bouts across , , , , and women's divisions, delivering a mix of finishes and decisions that showcased emerging talents and veteran performances. On the main card, secured a historic victory over with a flying knee just five seconds into the first round, marking the fastest in UFC history and earning widespread acclaim for its precision and impact. followed with a second-round TKO against via punches, capitalizing on ground control to halt the former champion after a competitive striking exchange in the opening frame. dominated en route to a win (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) over three rounds, using superior grappling to neutralize Sanchez's aggression and control the pace throughout. The preliminary card opened with outpointing by (30-27, 30-27, 30-25), relying on crisp striking and takedown defense to secure the win against the former Strikeforce champion. submitted Nohelin Hernandez with a rear-naked choke in the second round at 3:25, transitioning smoothly from striking to to force the tap. Claudia Gadelha edged via (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in a closely contested women's strawweight clash marked by scrambles and ground control attempts. knocked out Alejandro Perez with punches in the first round at 2:04, overwhelming his opponent with aggressive volume early in the fight. finished Jack Marshman via rear-naked choke submission in the first round at 1:12, demonstrating quick takedown ability and finishing instincts in his undefeated run. In the early preliminary card, defeated by (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), using effective clinch work and leg kicks to maintain pressure over three rounds. Chance Rencountre outworked Ismail Naurdiev for a victory (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in action, edging rounds with better cardio and output in a stand-up battle. All decisions went the full three rounds unless otherwise noted by or submission methods.

Post-Event Impact

Performance Awards

At UFC 239, four Performance of the Night bonuses were awarded, each valued at $50,000, to honor fighters for their exceptional individual displays of skill and decisiveness in securing finishes. No Fight of the Night bonus was given, with the instead recognizing multiple standout performances through the additional Performance awards. Amanda Nunes earned a Performance of the Night bonus for her dominant first-round head-kick knockout of Holly Holm at 4:10, retaining her UFC Women's Championship in a decisive title defense. received the award for his record-breaking five-second flying knee knockout of , marking the fastest finish in UFC history and showcasing remarkable speed and power. was honored for his second-round TKO of at 0:54 with ground-and-pound strikes, demonstrating superior striking and grappling control. claimed the final Performance bonus for his second-round TKO of Alejandro Pérez via punches at 2:04, highlighting his aggressive pressure and finishing ability in the bantamweight bout. These bonuses are determined by UFC executives, led by president Dana White, who evaluate fights based on criteria such as overall excitement, technical skill, and the decisiveness of the outcome. A total of $200,000 was distributed across the four awards, aligning with the standard bonus pool for pay-per-view events.

Financial Details

UFC 239 generated significant revenue through its live gate and fighter compensation structure, as reported in official filings. The event drew an announced attendance of 18,358 spectators at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, producing a live gate of $6,063,707.11. Fighter payouts, disclosed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), totaled $3,331,000 in base salaries and win bonuses, excluding pay-per-view (PPV) shares, sponsorships, or other undisclosed incentives. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones received the highest base pay of $500,000 (flat fee, no listed win bonus) for his main event title defense, plus an undisclosed share of PPV revenue. Challenger Thiago Santos earned $350,000 (flat fee). In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes was guaranteed $300,000 to show and $200,000 for a win over Holly Holm, who received $300,000 (flat fee). Other notable payouts included Jorge Masvidal at $200,000 ($100,000 show, $100,000 win) and Luke Rockhold at $200,000 (flat fee). In addition to base compensation, four fighters—Nunes, Masvidal, Jan Blachowicz, and —each received $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses, adding $200,000 to the overall disclosed earnings. These figures underscore the event's scale as a major PPV offering in the UFC's inaugural ESPN era, though exact PPV buy numbers were not publicly released by the promotion.

Records and Statistics

UFC 239 featured several notable statistical achievements and that underscored its place in the promotion's history. The event's most prominent milestone occurred in the bout between and , where Masvidal secured a via flying knee just 5 seconds into the first round, establishing the fastest in UFC history and surpassing the previous mark of 7 seconds set by in 2006. Jon Jones' split decision victory over Thiago Santos in the light heavyweight title main event marked his 13th win in a UFC title fight, extending his record for the most title fight victories in the organization's history at that time. Similarly, Amanda Nunes' first-round knockout of Holly Holm in the co-main event contributed to her growing legacy, as it was one of her dominant performances that highlighted her finishing prowess, with Nunes landing 17 of 22 significant strikes for 77% accuracy before the stoppage. The card produced 7 finishes out of 11 bouts, resulting in a 64% finish rate, with 4 knockouts/tkOs and 3 submissions, reflecting a high level of decisive outcomes across divisions. This event also influenced the broader title landscape, as Jones' retention solidified his dominance and paved the way for subsequent challenges, while Nunes' win against a former champion further entrenched her position as a dual-division titleholder, shaping contention trajectories in women's .

References

  1. https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-239
  2. https://www.espn.com/mma/fightcenter/_/id/401122133/league/ufc
  3. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-239-start-time-jon-jones-vs-thiago-santos-live-stream-fight-card-ppv-price-tv-channel/
  4. https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-239-results-stream-fight-card-news-highlights-jones-santos-nunes-holm-las-vegas-mma/2019/7/7/20684624/ufc-239-results-biggest-winners-loser-jones-santos-last-night-las-vegas-mma
  5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2019/07/07/ufc-239-results-bonus-winners-earned-50k-behind-huge-kos-while-promotion-pulled-in-massive-gate/
  6. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/58831-ufc-239
  7. https://www.t-mobilearena.com/arena-information/quick-facts
  8. https://www.ufc.com/news/t-mobile-arena-become-las-vegas-home-ufc
  9. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-239-bonus-coverage
  10. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2019/07/07/ufc-239-post-event-facts-jorge-masvidal-fastest-knockout-history/82036947007/
  11. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2019/07/05/ufc-239-date-time-tv-live-stream-info-and-potential-viewership-competition/
  12. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903298502/en/TKO-Extends-Exclusive-Partnership-With-T-Mobile-Arena-Solidifying-Las-Vegas-Premier-Venue-as-Official-Home
  13. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27104268/ufc-239-jones-vs-santos-how-watch-plus-full-analysis
  14. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/ufc/1149371/UFC-BT-Sport-Box-Office-Pay-Per-View-Dave-Shaw-UFC-News-And-Rumours
  15. https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/5/16/18627978/ufc-239-poster-released
  16. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/o6G5/espn-ufc-239-jones-vs-santos-and-nunes-vs-holm
  17. https://bloodyelbow.com/2019/07/11/ufc-239-jones-vs-santos-preliminary-card-averages-1145000-viewers-mma-news/
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1205206/2019/09/12/from-10000-to-100-million-annually-how-big-brands-eventually-warmed-up-to-the-ufc/
  19. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2844381-ufc-239-fight-card-ppv-schedule-odds-and-predictions-for-jones-vs-santos
  20. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27105099/ufc-239-tests-greatest-male-fighter-greatest-female-fighter
  21. https://cagesidepress.com/2019/07/07/ufc-239-edmen-shahbazyan/
  22. https://www.forbes.com/sites/trentreinsmith/2019/07/01/ufc-239-preview-can-ismail-naurdiev-capitalize-on-his-big-upset-win/
  23. https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/6/25/18716112/pannie-kianzad-steps-in-to-face-julia-avila-at-ufc-239
  24. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-239-view-from-the-north
  25. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27136960/jones-escapes-narrow-decision-santos
  26. https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/6/18622914/thiago-santos-jon-jones-karma-ufc-239
  27. https://www.ufc.com/news/thiago-santos-trusts-his-power
  28. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27104520/inside-thiago-santos-final-preparation-jon-jones
  29. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/2516131/amanda-nunes
  30. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2019/04/17/ufc-239-amanda-nunes-featherweight-title-defense-after-holly-holm-fight/82049103007/
  31. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27092116/holly-holm-free-clear-feels-ready-shock-world-again
  32. https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/117628
  33. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/3028404/holly-holm
  34. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27125754/fighters-make-weight-ufc-239-title-bouts-go
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVl1r1mbtls
  36. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/otGg/espn-ufc-239-jones-vs-santos-unstoppable-force
  37. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ben-Askren-42390
  38. https://www.ocregister.com/ufc-239-ultimate-media-day/
  39. https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/ufc-239-ben-askren-laughs-off-mad-jorge-masvidal-1701643/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A2KH6-jYNQ
  41. https://www.thescore.com/s/10859087
  42. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2019/07/02/ufc-239-fans-invited-workouts-weigh-ins-free-mma-fan-experience-las-vegas/82037894007/
  43. https://www.ocregister.com/ufc-239-open-workouts/
  44. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2019/07/05/ufc-239-jon-jones-thiago-santos-amanda-nunes-holly-holm-weigh-in-results-live-video-stream/82037684007/
  45. https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/askren-jorge-masvidal-faceoff/
  46. https://www.mmamania.com/2019/7/5/20683666/jon-jones-vs-thiago-santos-staredown-video-ufc-239-weigh-ins-mma
  47. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/07/ufc-239-results-jon-jones-narrowly-averts-upset-by-game-thiago-santos
  48. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-239-Jones-vs-Santos-PlaybyPlay-Results-RoundbyRound-Scoring-157867
  49. https://mmadecisions.com/decision/10243/Jon-Jones-vs-Thiago-Santos
  50. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2019/07/06/ufc-239-jon-jones-thiago-santos-amanda-nunes-holly-holm-play-by-play-live-results/82037524007/
  51. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-239-jon-jones-vs-thiago-santos-results-complete-guide-to-everything-that-went-down-in-las-vegas/
  52. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27137711/five-rounds-deciphering-three-kos-perplexing-victory-jon-jones-ufc-239
  53. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2019/07/08/ufc-239-medical-report-jon-jones-thiago-santos-face-long-suspensions/82036796007/
  54. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/30263050/inside-return-thiago-santos-career-threatening-injury-fight-night-main-event
  55. https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/6/20684443/ufc-239-live-blog-amanda-nunes-vs-holly-holm
  56. http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/69c06be4f87ccdab
  57. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Amanda-Nunes-31496
  58. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-239-results-highlights-amanda-nunes-finishes-holly-holm-with-head-kick-knockout-to-defend-title/
  59. https://www.postwrestling.com/2019/07/07/ufc-239-jon-jones-retains-by-split-nunes-stops-holm-fastest-ufc-ko/
  60. https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/7/20684871/ufc-239-bonuses-jorge-masvidal-earns-extra-50k-for-instant-classic-ko
  61. https://bolavip.com/en/sports/ufc-fight-bonuses-explained
  62. https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/8/20686620/amanda-nunes-leads-all-salaries-for-ufc-239-with-bonus-for-holly-holm-knockout
  63. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2019/07/06/ufc-239-salaries-jon-jones-thiago-santos-amanda-nunes-purses/82037359007/
  64. https://statleaders.ufc.com/en/fight
  65. http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/70af72a72b31fe4d
  66. https://www.ufc.com/news/jon-jones-career-highlights-title-wins-best-knockouts
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