NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Jon Jones signed a lot of autographs in the days leading up to his light heavyweight title fight at UFC 128.
He kept adding after his name the words: "Champ 2011."
It must have been a premonition.
The charismatic 23-year-old Jones knocked out Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the third round Saturday night, becoming the youngest fighter to hold a UFC championship belt.
"It feels so good," Jones said. "Dreams can come true, guys, they really can. Believe in yourself, believe in your heart. It comes true."
In the co-main event, former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber won his debut under the UFC banner with a unanimous decision over former WEC champ Eddie Wineland.
It was an impressive performance by Faber, though nothing compared to what Jones did.
Dominating the fight from the start, Jones used his superior speed and striking ability - and some unorthodox kicks - to set things at his pace. But it wasn't until midway through the third round that he put it away, landing several clean punches on the ground before letting Rua get to his feet. A couple more blows, including some vicious knees, finally ended it.