Born on July 19, 1987, Jonathan Dwight Jones is a prominent American professional mixed martial artist, currently contracted with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he holds the esteemed title of UFC Heavyweight Champion. Jones entered the professional competition arena in 2008 and has achieved remarkable milestones. 

Notably, he clinched the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion title twice: from March 2011 to April 2015 and December 2018 to August 2020. He also earned the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2016. As of March 7, 2023, he stands at the pinnacle of the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.

A remarkable highlight in Jones’ career was his attainment of the UFC championship at a young age, secured in his victory against Maurício Rua when he was only 23 years old. His accomplishments include setting various UFC records within the light heavyweight division, including the most title defences, victories, and the longest winning streak. Jones consistently earned recognition as one of the premier pound-for-pound fighters globally throughout his championship reign.

Of note is Jones’ sole professional loss, which occurred in a controversial disqualification match against Matt Hamill. The outcome of this bout remains a point of contention involving Hamill, Jones, and UFC President Dana White. Notably, Jones has never experienced defeat by stoppage or on issues throughout his career.

Between 2015 and 2017, Jones faced several controversies that led to his championship title being stripped three times due to disciplinary actions. In 2015, he was stripped of his title and removed from official rankings following his arrest on felony hit-and-run charges. 

Despite reclaiming his status within the UFC in 2016 and 2017, his title reigns were curtailed due to positive tests for banned substances, resulting in suspensions. 

The suspension from 2017 was later altered to a ‘no contest’. However, Jones returned triumphantly in 2018 by defeating Alexander Gustafsson and reclaiming the championship. In 2020, amid a payment dispute with Dana White, he voluntarily relinquished the title, expressing his intent to compete in the heavyweight division.

After a hiatus exceeding three years, Jones made a remarkable comeback in 2023, clinching the UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Ciryl Gane. This victory marked a pivotal juncture in his career, underscoring his expertise across weight categories. 

Widely acclaimed as one of the most extraordinary mixed martial artists in history, Jones’ legacy is indisputable. This sentiment is underscored by UFC President Dana White, further solidifying Jones’ position as a legendary figure in professional sports.

Jonathan Dwight Jones debuted in the UFC on August 9, 2008, at UFC 87, where he confronted André Gusmão. Jones acknowledged the battle with just fourteen days’ notification, stepping in as a substitution for Tomasz Drwal. Notwithstanding the short notice, Jones got a consistent choice triumph (30-27, 29-28, and 30-27). His interesting battling style consolidated takedowns and flighty striking strategies like turning elbows and back kicks.

In his second UFC session at UFC 94 on January 31, 2009, Jones took on prepared veteran Stephan Bonnar. Showing his flexibility, Jones executed various takedowns, including a remarkable suplex, and handled a strong back elbow that hurt Bonnar. Even though he seemed exhausted in the last round, Jones arose triumphant through a consistent choice.

Proceeding with his climb, Jones confronted Jake O’Brien at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009. Ruling most of the battle, Jones ultimately got a changed guillotine gag that constrained O’Brien to submit. His series of wins prompted a remunerating new four-battle contract with the UFC in September 2009.

Nonetheless, Jones experienced a mishap on December 5, 2009, when he confronted individual light heavyweight prospect Matt Hamill at A Definitive Contender: Heavyweights Finale. In spite of showing wrestling ability and disjoining Hamill’s shoulder with a takedown, Jones was excluded for utilizing unlawful 12-6 elbows. 

This choice resulted from the Bound Together Standards of Blended Combative techniques, which precluded descending elbow strikes. The preclusion blended debate, and Jones’ elbows were found to have deteriorated Hamill’s wounds. The Nevada State Athletic Commission used moment replay to help the ref’s choice, even though UFC President Dana White dissented, upholding a no-challenge. In 2019, White wanted to change the outcome to a no challenge.

Jones kept on demonstrating his backbone by confronting Brandon Vera on Walk 21, 2010, at UFC Live: Vera versus Jones. He won using technical knockout with a torrent of punches following an overwhelming elbow strike, breaking Vera’s face in three spots. 

His exhibition acquired him the “Knockout of the Evening” grant. Jones’s energy persevered in his session against Vladimir Matyushenko on August 1, 2010, at UFC Live: Jones versus Matyushenko, where he protected a triumph by technical knockout with elbows in only one moment and 52 seconds of the primary round. This achievement cemented his remaining as an imposing competitor in the light heavyweight division.

Jones went for the gold and communicated his craving for a “top-three opponent.” He demonstrated a likely matchup against the champ of Antônio Rogério Nogueira versus Ryan Bader. 

Instead of starting reports, Jones explained that he had yet to turn down a battle against Nogueira. He got confirmation from Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta that completing his next two matches could prompt a title shot.

Jones’ next challenge emerged against the undefeated Ryan Bader at UFC 126 on February 5, 2011. The session displayed Jones’ abilities as he submitted Bader with a guillotine gag in the subsequent round, following a predominant first round. Jones’s presentation acquired him the “Accommodation of the Evening” reward and added one more triumph to his excellent record.

Jon Jones’s Personal Life

On March 19, 2011, Jones headed to Great Falls Historic Park in Paterson, New Jersey, as part of his preparation for his fight against Maurício “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128. Accompanied by his coaches, Mike Winkeljohn and Greg Jackson, they were dropped off by a driver. 

During this time, Jones noticed an elderly couple in distress. The woman explained to Winkeljohn that a man had smashed her car window and stolen her GPS. Without hesitation, Jones and his coaches sprang into action. They pursued the thief, successfully apprehended and tripped him, and held him down until the police arrived.

August 8, 2012, marked a significant milestone in Jones’ career when he became the first mixed martial artist to receive international sponsorship from Nike. In addition, he also pioneered having his shoe line, making him a trailblazer within the MMA community. 

His influence extended further as he became the inaugural MMA fighter to showcase brands like Gatorade and MuscleTech in the Octagon. On December 16, 2014, Jones announced a sponsorship deal with Reebok. However, this partnership ended on April 29, 2015, due to Jones’ involvement in a hit-and-run incident. Subsequently, Jones also lost his sponsorship with MuscleTech shortly after that.