When Jon Jones Somehow Survived The Most Brutal Armbar In UFC History

Jon Jones somehow escaped Vitor Belfort's brutal armbar during their title clash and refused to tap as he produced an incredible come-from-behind victory at UFC 152.

Jones survived a huge scare in the first round of his UFC light-heavyweight title bout to beat Belfort in September 2012.

Belfort locked in a nasty armbar that had Jones grimacing in pain, but the champion refused to quit.

The American lifted his way out of it and quickly reasserted his dominance before earning a submission victory in round four.

The UFC legend had one of his best performances in the Octagon at UFC 152.

Speaking at the UFC 152 post-fight press conference, Jones admitted his arm felt "numb" following Belfort's vicious submission attempt.

"I've never had my arm popped like that before," he said.

"I was waiting for it to break, I was not going to tap out. I've never felt that before.

"I felt numb after, I threw it after and it had no power at all. I need to see what's wrong with it. But I've got a lot of work to do against southpaws for sure."

Image: Instagram/Jon Jones

UFC president Dana White called Jones' showing at UFC 152 as his best performance inside the Octagon.

"There's no doubt this was his best performance," he said. "He got injured in the first round, there were questions over him, could he take a punch? He took a load tonight.

"There can be no more nay saying over Jon Jones. Love him or hate him, there's no denying he's one of the best in the world. Every time he comes to fight.

"Jones got caught in that armbar, his arm got popped, yet he got out of it and fought for four rounds like it wasn't popped. He made an injured elbow look like it wasn't injured. In my eyes, Jones looked unbeatable."