UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort Results, Jones Earns Title Shot, Silva Destroys Belfort in One

Main Card:

Anderson Silva def. Vitor Belfort via KO in the first round.
Forrest Griffin def. Rich Franklin via unanimous decision.
Jon Jones def. Ryan Bader via submission (guillotine choke) in the second round.
Jake Ellenberger def. Carlos Eduardo Rocha via split decision.
Miguel Torres def. Antonio Banuelos via unanimous decision.

Under Card:

Donald Cerrone def. Paul Kelly via submission (rear naked choke) in the second round.
Chad Mendes def. Michihiro Omigawa via unanimous decision.
Demetrious Johnson def. Norifumi Yamamoto via unanimous decision.
Paul Taylor def. Gabe Rudiger via KO in the second round.
Kyle Kingsbury def. Ricardo Romero via TKO in the first round.
Mike Pierce def. Kenny Robertson via TKO in the second round.

It was a great night for the UFC in Las Vegas, when UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort delivered an excellent night of fights from top to bottom, living up to all the hype that was generated leading into the event.  

Jon Jones used his size and take down defense to control fellow rising star Ryan Bader through the majority of their light heavyweight bout, Bader never getting to utilize his "superior" wrestling against Jones.  From top control, Jones looked for a choke in the first, but couldn't finish it.  In the second round, he once again found himself looking to secure a submission, and was successful, defeating Bader handily.  The victor was in for a shock as he was interviewed by Joe Rogan after the fight, telling Jones that Rashad Evans, who was set to challenge current light heavyweight champion Shogun Rua for the title on March 19th at UFC 128, was injured, and that the UFC had determined that he will fill in for his team mate, and challenge Shogun in his stead.  

In the co-main event, Forrest Griffin's size proved to be the difference maker against Rich Franklin, out working him on the ground, as well as landing the more powerful strikes on the feet.  Although an interesting bout, the main event truly stole the show.

Middleweight champion Anderson Silva looked prepared for Vitor Belfort as the two faced off prior to Saturday night's fight, but Silva's actions in the ring sealed the deal.  After a long first round of feeling each other out, Belfort pushed forward with a few strikes which found their mark.  Silva looked pleased to see life in his opponent, and prepared to counter.  As Vitor waited for the moment to strike, lightning struck.  Silva, known for his accurate counter striking, launched an attack at the challenger.  A front kick to the jaw dropped Belfort, and although he remained conscious, Silva landed two pinpoint accurate strikes to the chin, shutting the challengers lights out, and ending the fight.