After Reviewing UFC 239, Thiago Santos Thinks He Won Three Rounds vs. Jon Jones

Thiago Santos nearly shocked the world at UFC 239 when he lost to light heavyweight champion Jon Jones by split decision.

Still, some observers thought he deserved to win the fight, which was even more impressive given the fact he needed surgery on both his knees right after the bout. One month removed from UFC 239, Santos has finally re-watched the fight and is confident he deserved to win.

“Yes, I saw it once last week. It's difficult for me to watch,” Santos said to ESPN.com. “That's why it took me so long to watch it. If I was a judge, I would have given that fight to Thiago Santos. I think I won Rounds 1, 2 and 5. I think the fact Jones was the champion weighed on the judges' decision. I think the challenger has to do more to take the belt from the champion. There has to be a rematch. As soon as I am 100 percent, we have to get back in there and find out a real winner.”

Whether or not he gets a rematch is to be seen. UFC president Dana White said the fight was not that close and a rematch would not happen. However, Jones recently said he thinks a rematch is a good possibility.

For now, Santos is just focusing on his recovery from surgery.

“It's difficult because of the way the UFC looks at decisions some times, but I'm not focused on that right now. I'm focused on recovering, and when I'm healthy, my focus will still be on becoming a champion. I will come back strong and accomplish that,” Santos said.