UFC 247
UFC 247: Jones vs. Reyes was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on February 8, 2020, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.[1] The pay-per-view event featured twelve bouts, headlined by a UFC Light Heavyweight Championship fight between defending champion Jon Jones and top contender Dominick Reyes.[2] In the co-main event, UFC Women's Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko defended her title against former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian.[3] In the main event, Jones retained his title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) after a highly competitive five-round bout that saw Reyes nearly pull off an upset in several close rounds.[3] Shevchenko dominated the co-main event, securing a technical knockout victory over Chookagian at 1:03 of the third round via ground-and-pound strikes from the crucifix position. The card marked Jones's eleventh successful light heavyweight title defense, extending his record for the most in divisional history.[4] The preliminary card included notable performances, such as Trevin Giles defeating James Krause by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) to earn Fight of the Night honors, while Mario Bautista and Khaos Williams each received Performance of the Night bonuses for their respective wins.[5] UFC 247 drew an announced attendance of 17,401 fans and generated a live gate of $3,549,418, setting a record for the Toyota Center.[5] The event was the UFC's return to Houston since UFC 197 in 2016 and highlighted the promotion's growing presence in the city.[4]Background
Event Announcement
UFC officials announced UFC 247 as a pay-per-view event set for February 8, 2020, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, marking the promotion's return to the city after a five-year hiatus since UFC 192 in October 2015.[6][7] The selection of Houston underscored the UFC's strategy to revisit key markets with strong fan bases, building on the success of prior events at the venue that drew significant attendance and viewership.[8] On November 22, 2019, UFC president Dana White confirmed the main event, pitting light heavyweight champion Jon Jones against undefeated challenger Dominick Reyes in a title defense.[9] This revelation came shortly after Reyes' knockout victory over former middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 247's precursor event, positioning him as the next contender in the division.[10] White emphasized the matchup's intrigue, describing it as a high-stakes test for Jones' long-standing dominance in the light heavyweight class.[10] The announcement generated immediate buzz within the MMA community, highlighting UFC's intent to feature marquee title bouts to anchor the card and drive pay-per-view sales in a competitive sports landscape.[9] Initial planning focused on logistics at the Toyota Center, a 18,000-seat arena known for hosting major combat sports spectacles, ensuring the event could accommodate the anticipated crowd and production demands.[7]Fight Card Development
The fight card for UFC 247 began to take shape following the event's initial announcement in November 2019, with the main event pitting light heavyweight champion Jon Jones against undefeated challenger Dominick Reyes. As the card developed, key bouts were added to bolster the lineup, starting with the co-main event on November 26, 2019, when UFC officials confirmed women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko would defend her title against top contender Katlyn Chookagian.[11] This matchup elevated the event's appeal, pairing two dominant champions in a pay-per-view headliner. Undercard developments accelerated into early 2020, with several heavyweight clashes confirmed in November 2019 to round out the preliminary and main card slots. On November 18, 2019, Derrick Lewis was matched against Ilir Latifi in a heavyweight bout, marking Latifi's promotional debut at 265 pounds after competing primarily at light heavyweight.[12] Similarly, Justin Tafa versus Juan Adams was finalized for the main card on November 21, 2019, pitting two knockout artists seeking redemption after recent losses.[13] These additions contributed to a stacked heavyweight presence, reflecting the division's emphasis on explosive striking exchanges. Notable changes occurred amid the buildup, including a January 23, 2020, injury withdrawal by Jimmie Rivera that led to the cancellation of his bantamweight bout against Marlon Vera, as no replacement was found; though the featherweight bout between Mirsad Bektić and Dan Ige proceeded as originally scheduled in November 2019 without further alterations.[14] Visa complications affected other potential matchups across the promotion during this period, but the core featherweight slot remained intact. The full 12-fight card solidified by late January, setting the stage for the February 8 event. All 24 fighters successfully made weight at the official weigh-ins on February 7, 2020, with no last-minute adjustments required; Jones weighed in at 204 pounds, Reyes at 205 pounds, Shevchenko at 124.5 pounds, and Chookagian at 124.5 pounds, ensuring both title fights proceeded as planned.[15] The main event carried significant historical weight within the light heavyweight division, where Jon Jones had reigned as champion since March 2011, capturing the title via first-round submission against Maurício "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128.[16] Jones's path to UFC 247 included 10 successful defenses, navigating high-profile wars against Alexander Gustafsson (twice), Daniel Cormier (twice), and others, establishing him as the division's most dominant figure with a record approaching his 11th title defense against Reyes.[16] Reyes, unbeaten at 12-0, earned his shot through consecutive stoppage victories over prominent contenders, positioning the bout as a generational clash in the 205-pound lineage that traced back to pioneers like Frank Shamrock and Tito Ortiz.[16]Event Details
Venue and Logistics
UFC 247 was held at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, an arena with a seating capacity of approximately 19,000 for mixed martial arts events, configured in a standard setup with the Octagon positioned at the center of the floor to maximize visibility from all seating sections.[17] The venue's layout accommodated the event's production needs, including broadcast facilities and fighter walkouts, while maintaining the arena's typical end-stage arrangement adapted for combat sports.[8] The event drew an announced attendance of 17,401 spectators, nearly filling the arena and generating a live gate revenue of $3,549,418, which established a record for the highest-grossing event in Toyota Center history at the time.[4] This turnout reflected strong local interest in the card, supported by efficient ticketing and entry logistics that allowed smooth access for fans arriving in downtown Houston.[18] The fight card unfolded according to a structured timeline, with early preliminary bouts beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CST local time) on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, followed by preliminary fights at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CST) on ESPN, and the main card starting at 10:00 p.m. ET (9:00 p.m. CST) on ESPN+ pay-per-view.[19] Operational aspects included standard venue security, medical staffing, and crowd management to ensure a safe environment throughout the evening. As UFC 247 occurred on February 8, 2020, prior to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and major public health restrictions in the United States, no specific pandemic-related protocols were implemented; the event proceeded with full-capacity attendance and conventional safety measures such as emergency medical services and fire safety compliance.[4]Broadcast and Promotion
UFC 247's main card was available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view in the United States, starting at 10 p.m. ET on February 8, 2020, while the preliminary bouts aired on ESPN and ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with early prelims on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. ET.[20] Internationally, the event was broadcast through various partners, including live coverage on BT Sport 2 in the United Kingdom starting at 1 a.m. GMT without a pay-per-view requirement, and UFC Fight Pass providing access to prelims and full event replays in select regions. Promotional efforts for UFC 247 included the standard UFC Embedded series, with multiple episodes offering behind-the-scenes footage of fighters like Jon Jones, Dominick Reyes, Valentina Shevchenko, and Katlyn Chookagian during fight week in Houston.[21] Press conferences, held on December 13, 2019, and February 5, 2020, featured heated exchanges between Jones and Reyes, building anticipation for their light heavyweight title clash, while the official weigh-ins on February 7 included memorable staredowns that intensified the rivalry.[22] Marketing campaigns centered on Jones' opportunity to achieve a record 11th light heavyweight title defense, positioning the event as a historic milestone, alongside Shevchenko's quest for her third consecutive title defense, underscoring her unchallenged reign in the division. The double-championship card contributed to strong interest, with the pay-per-view reportedly drawing around 700,000 buys in the U.S.Results
Main Card
The main card of UFC 247 featured five bouts, headlined by two title fights, broadcast on pay-per-view from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.[7]Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes
In the main event, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones defended his title against undefeated challenger Dominick Reyes in a closely contested five-round bout. Reyes started strong in Round 1, landing low kicks and body shots while briefly knocking Jones down with a combination, outstriking the champion 33-22 in significant strikes and earning the round on most scorecards.[25][26] Round 2 saw Reyes maintain pressure with aggressive kicks and an uppercut, landing 28 significant strikes to Jones' 19, while denying early takedown attempts to control the standup exchanges. In Round 3, Reyes continued his effective body work and jab usage, outlanding Jones 29-18 in significant strikes and stuffing a late takedown bid, appearing to take a commanding lead. Jones shifted momentum in Round 4 by securing a takedown midway through, landing ground elbows, and outstriking Reyes 24-16 overall, with Reyes showing signs of fatigue. The fifth round featured Jones' dominant grappling, including another takedown and leg kicks that pressured Reyes against the fence, landing 29 significant strikes to Reyes' 16.[25][2] Jones won by unanimous decision with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, retaining his title in what became one of his most competitive defenses. Statistically, Reyes held a slight edge in total significant strikes (116 of 259 attempted) compared to Jones (104 of 166), but Jones was more accurate at 63% versus Reyes' 45% and completed 2 of 5 takedown attempts to control 4:12 on the ground.[26][27]Valentina Shevchenko vs. Katlyn Chookagian
The co-main event pitted women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko against top contender Katlyn Chookagian. Shevchenko asserted dominance early in Round 1 with a spinning back fist and precise counters, landing 12 significant strikes to Chookagian's 5 before securing a late takedown to close the frame. In Round 2, Shevchenko caught a kick for another takedown, controlling from top position and outstriking her opponent 15-7 in significant strikes while mixing in ground-and-pound. Round 3 began with Shevchenko tripping Chookagian to the mat, transitioning to a mounted crucifix position to rain down elbows and punches, forcing a stoppage at 1:03.[25][28] Shevchenko secured the TKO victory (elbows and punches), marking her sixth consecutive title defense and extending her UFC winning streak to seven. She outlanded Chookagian 40-17 in significant strikes with 100% takedown accuracy (3 of 3), controlling 4:45 of the fight on the ground to showcase her versatile skill set.[29]Derrick Lewis vs. Ilir Latifi
Heavyweight veterans Derrick Lewis and Ilir Latifi engaged in a tactical three-round affair. Lewis opened Round 1 aggressively with a flying knee and heavy punches, landing 7 significant strikes to Latifi's 2 while maintaining distance to avoid early grappling. Round 2 shifted as Latifi secured two takedowns, dominating from top position for much of the frame and landing minimal strikes (2-2), though Lewis defended submissions effectively. In Round 3, Lewis rallied with powerful rights and knees in the clinch, outstriking Latifi 11-1 in significant strikes despite a late takedown attempt by the Swede.[25][30] Lewis claimed a unanimous decision victory (29-28 x3), improving his record to 24-7. He landed 20 of 50 significant strikes (40% accuracy) to Latifi's 5 of 12 (42%), but Latifi succeeded on 3 of 7 takedown attempts, accruing 8:49 of control time compared to Lewis' 0:41.[31]Dan Ige vs. Mirsad Bektić
Featherweight contenders Dan Ige and Mirsad Bektić delivered a gritty, back-and-forth battle over three rounds. Ige controlled Round 1 with crisp hooks and takedown defense, landing 15 significant strikes to Bektić's 4 while keeping the fight standing. Round 2 favored Bektić, who executed a takedown into mount position, landing ground strikes (7-12 significant strikes) and threatening submissions to steal the frame. Ige rebounded in Round 3, stuffing takedowns and connecting with right hands for 20 significant strikes to Bektić's 6, sealing a hard-fought win.[25][32] Ige earned a split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2), moving to 13-2. He outlanded Bektić 43-17 in significant strikes (49% accuracy vs. 28%), though Bektić completed 3 takedowns to Ige's 1, controlling 6:32 overall.[33][34]Justin Tafa vs. Juan Adams
The heavyweight opener was a quick, explosive affair. Tafa absorbed an early low kick from Adams but countered with a right hand and uppercut that staggered his opponent against the fence. He followed with a barrage of punches, dropping Adams and prompting the referee to stop the fight at 1:59 as Adams covered up.[25][35] Tafa secured the TKO (punches) victory in his UFC debut, improving to 4-1. In the brief exchange, Tafa landed 10 significant strikes to Adams' 7, with no takedowns attempted by either fighter.[36]Preliminary Cards
The preliminary card for UFC 247 delivered a mix of quick finishes and hard-fought decisions, providing high-energy action that built momentum toward the main event. Seven bouts across bantamweight, featherweight, welterweight, flyweight, and middleweight divisions showcased emerging talent and veteran grit, with two stoppages highlighting the card's intensity.[37]| Fight | Result | Method | Round/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Newson vs. Domingo Pilarte | No Contest | N/A | N/A |
| Mario Bautista vs. Miles Johns | Mario Bautista def. Miles Johns | TKO (flying knee and punches) | 2 / 1:41 |
| Andre Ewell vs. Jonathan Martinez | Andre Ewell def. Jonathan Martinez | Split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) | 3 / 5:00 |
| Youssef Zalal vs. Austin Lingo | Youssef Zalal def. Austin Lingo | Unanimous decision (30-27 x3) | 3 / 5:00 |
| Khaos Williams vs. Alex Morono | Khaos Williams def. Alex Morono | KO (punches) | 1 / 0:27 |
| Lauren Murphy vs. Andrea Lee | Lauren Murphy def. Andrea Lee | Split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) | 3 / 5:00 |
| Trevin Giles vs. James Krause | Trevin Giles def. James Krause | Split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29) | 3 / 5:00 |