Jonathan Dwight Jones, an American mixed martial artist presently under contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), was born on July 19, 1987. He has fought in the light heavyweight class. He previously held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship twice, from December 2018 to August 2020 and from March 2011 to April 2015. In 2016, Jones also held the temporary UFC Light Heavyweight Title. He is ranked #11 among men in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings as of January 24, 2023.
At the age of 23, Jones defeated Mauricio Rua for the UFC championship, making him the organization’s youngest champion ever. In the light heavyweight class, he holds numerous UFC records, including the most title defences, victories, and winning streaks. Jones was regarded as the finest fighter in the world pound-for-pound for much of his championship tenure. Jones has never been defeated or outscored in his professional career, and the lone defeat he has suffered was a contentious disqualification against Matt Hamill—a decision that both Hamill and UFC President Dana White contest.
Between 2015 and 2017, Jones was embroiled in a number of issues and suffered three title losses as a result of punishment. After being charged with felony hit-and-run, the UFC first stripped him of his title and dropped him from the rankings in 2015. His following UFC appearances in 2016 and 2017 saw him triumph over Ovince Saint Preux and Daniel Cormier in title fights, but both were called off due to Jones testing positive for banned substances and suffering additional suspensions, with the latter being reversed to a “no contest.” Following the lifting of his 2017 ban, Jones won back the title in 2018 by defeating Alexander Gustafsson.
Jon Jones Early life and Family
Jonathan Dwight Jones, also known as Jon Jones, was born on July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York. He was raised in Endicott, New York, along with his four older brothers. Jones’ father was a pastor, and his mother was a nurse. Growing up, Jones was involved in wrestling and football, and he went on to become a state champion wrestler in high school.
Jones began his mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2008, and he quickly established himself as one of the top light heavyweight fighters in the world. He signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2008 and won his first title in 2011. Since then, he has been regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport.
Aside from his professional fighting career, Jones is a devoted family man. He is married to Jessie Moses and has three children. Jones is also known for his charitable work and has been involved in various community service projects throughout his career.
Early Career in Mixed martial arts
Jonathan Dwight Jones, also known as “Bones” due to his slight frame, was an exceptional athlete from a young age. He first made a name for himself as a standout wrestler at Union-Endicott High School, where he became a state champion. He continued to develop his athletic abilities as a defensive lineman on the football team. He honed his skills even further at Iowa Central Community College, where he won a NJCAA national championship.
Jones was initially on track to pursue a career in criminal justice, studying at Morrisville State College. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in mixed martial arts (MMA). He dropped out of college to pursue a professional MMA career, starting with his debut in April 2008. Jones made a quick impact, going undefeated in his first six professional fights and finishing each opponent he faced. His success earned him recognition, and he was crowned the USKBA Light Heavyweight Champion after a second-round TKO victory over Moyses Gabin at BCX 5. This performance caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Jones signed with them soon after.
Ultimate Fighting Championship and Jon Jones
Jon Jones made his highly anticipated debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) against Andre Gusmão on August 9, 2008, at UFC 87. He accepted the fight on short notice as a late replacement for Tomasz Drwal and delivered a stunning performance. Jones utilized his unique skill set, incorporating takedowns and unpredictable striking techniques, such as spinning elbows and a spinning back kick, to secure a unanimous decision victory (30–27, 29–28, and 30–27).
Jones continued to prove his worth in his second UFC match, taking on veteran fighter Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94 on January 31, 2009. Jones dominated the fight, securing multiple takedowns and even suplexing Bonnar to the mat. He connected with a powerful back elbow that badly hurt Bonnar, and despite appearing fatigued in the third round, he went on to win the fight by unanimous decision. These early victories marked the start of a historic career for Jones, who quickly established himself as one of the top fighters in the sport.
Jones’ third fight in the UFC was against Jake O’Brien at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009, and he once again showcased his impressive skills. Throughout the match, Jones controlled the pace and dominated his opponent. He eventually secured a modified guillotine choke, causing O’Brien to tap out and solidifying his position as a rising star in the sport. His impressive string of victories earned him a well-deserved new, four-fight contract with the UFC in September 2009.
Jones’ next fight was against fellow light heavyweight prospect Matt Hamill on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. In this bout, Jones utilized his wrestling expertise to dominate Hamill, taking him down and battering him with strikes. However, the fight ended in controversy, as Jones was disqualified for the use of illegal 12-6 elbows, which were prohibited by the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. Despite being penalized a point from the round, the referee’s decision was supported by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after a slow-motion replay was reviewed. The replay showed that Jones’ elbows further damaged Hamill’s already bloody and lacerated nose, and Hamill was unable to continue due to a dislocated shoulder.
This marked the first time that Nevada used its recently enacted instant replay rule, and UFC president Dana White expressed his disappointment with the referee’s decision, stating that it should have been ruled as a no contest. In 2019, White announced that he was still trying to have the result overturned to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Regardless of the outcome, Jones’ career continued to thrive, and he remains one of the most dominant and successful fighters in the sport today.
On March 21, 2010, Jones fought Brandon Vera at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones and emerged victorious via TKO in the first round after delivering a powerful elbow to Vera’s face, followed by a series of punches. The elbow strike that ended the fight also caused significant injury to Vera’s face, breaking it in three places. Jones was also awarded the “Knockout of the Night” award.
Jones continued to make waves in the UFC and was hailed as one of the sport’s rising stars, attracting attention from fans and media alike. In 2010, he was even pictured alongside basketball player Glen Davis, cementing his status as a budding star.
On August 1, 2010, Jones faced former IFL Light Heavyweight Champion Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko and managed to secure a TKO victory with elbows in just 1:52 of the first round. Following the match, UFC President Dana White praised Jones, calling him “the real deal” and stating that he had just solidified his place among the top eight fighters in the world.
Jones was eager to continue his ascent to the top of the light heavyweight division and expressed his desire for a “top-three opponent” for his next fight. In an interview with Inside MMA, he revealed that he had been informed by White and Lorenzo Fertitta that a title shot was within reach if he could win his next two fights.
Jones’s next challenge came in the form of undefeated Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Bader, who he faced on February 5, 2011, at UFC 126. Jones dominated Bader in the first round before submitting him via guillotine choke in the second round, handing Bader his first professional loss. Jones was awarded the “Submission of the Night” bonus for his performance.
Jones Suspension and Return (First, Second, Third)
Jon Jones, considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, has faced several suspensions throughout his career.
The first suspension came in April 2015, when Jones was stripped of his Light Heavyweight title and suspended indefinitely by the UFC for his involvement in a hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He eventually pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and was sentenced to probation and community service. Jones returned to the octagon in October 2016, defeating Daniel Cormier to win the Light Heavyweight title for a second time.
Jones faced his second suspension in July 2016, when he was pulled from his scheduled UFC 200 main event against Cormier due to a potential anti-doping violation. He was eventually handed a one-year suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in November 2016. Jones returned to the octagon in December 2018, defeating Alexander Gustafsson in a highly-anticipated bout to reclaim the Light Heavyweight title.
Jones’ third suspension came in August 2020, when he tested positive for the banned substance turinabol. He was handed a one-year suspension by USADA, retroactive to the date of the failed test. Jones returned to the octagon in February 2021, defeating Dominick Reyes in a Light Heavyweight title defense.
Despite his suspensions, Jones has maintained his dominance in the Light Heavyweight division and continues to be one of the biggest stars in the sport of mixed martial arts.
Jon Jones Training
Throughout his fighting career, Jon Jones has trained with a number of different martial arts teams. He first started out at Team BombSquad in Cortland, New York before moving on to train briefly with the Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada. In recent years, Jones has been training at Jackson’s MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which has become his primary training facility.
During his suspensions from the UFC, Jones didn’t let his time off go to waste and made sure to stay in top physical shape. He even took the opportunity to train as a power-lifter to improve his overall strength and conditioning. This dedication to his training regime has helped Jones maintain his status as one of the top fighters in the sport.
Jon Jones Fighting style
Jon Jones, known for his impressive athleticism and technical mastery in the cage, is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and innovative fighters in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA). Many consider him to be one of the greatest martial artists of all time, if not the greatest to ever step into the octagon. Jones has the ability to capitalize on his great reach and defensive wrestling skills to deliver blows in a unique and unorthodox style.
His diverse kicking technique includes front kicks to the body and head, roundhouse kicks aimed at the legs and upper body, and his signature “oblique kick”. This controversial move targets the opponent’s knee and was popularized by Bruce Lee, who Jones cites as one of his inspirations. Jones also shines in the clinch, where he is skilled at controlling his opponent’s arms and delivering devastating elbow and knee strikes. On the ground, he has exceptional positional control and the ability to find openings for punches and elbow strikes, making him a well-rounded fighter who is difficult to defeat.
Jon Jones Wife and Childrens
Jon Jones is married to Jessie Moses, his high school sweetheart. The couple has three children together, two daughters and a son. Jones and Moses have been together since they were teenagers and have been through many ups and downs, including Jones’s highly publicized suspension from the UFC. Despite the challenges they have faced, their love and commitment to each other have remained strong. Jones has been open about how important his family is to him and how they provide him with stability and motivation. He has credited Moses for being his rock and supporting him through his personal and professional struggles. Jones often shares pictures of his family on social media, showcasing their love and affection for each other. Overall, Jon Jones’ wife and children play a significant role in his life and are a source of inspiration and motivation for him.
Jon Jones Net Worth
As of 2023, Jon Jones’ estimated net worth is around $10 million. He has earned the majority of his fortune from his successful career as a mixed martial artist, competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Jones has been one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC, holding multiple records, including the most successful and consecutive light heavyweight title defenses in the organization’s history. He has also received bonuses for his impressive performances and has endorsement deals with various brands. Jones’ success in the octagon, along with his endorsement deals and other business ventures, have helped increase his net worth over the years.
Jon Jones age
Jon Jones was born on July 19, 1987, which makes him 35 years old as of February 8, 2023. He is considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, known for his unique fighting style, versatility and dominance in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Throughout his career, Jones has faced several personal and professional challenges, but has always managed to bounce back and maintain his status as one of the top fighters in the sport.
Jon Jones Weight
Jon Jones is a professional mixed martial artist and current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He competes in the light heavyweight division, with a typical fighting weight around 205 pounds (93 kg). Throughout his career, he has been known for his exceptional athleticism, speed, and versatility, which have helped him to become one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. Despite his size, Jones has a remarkable ability to strike from unpredictable angles and utilize his long arms and legs to control distance in the octagon. Jones has proven to be a difficult match-up for opponents and has maintained a high level of success due to his technical skills and innovative fighting style.
Jon Jones Height
Jon Jones is an American mixed martial artist and former two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He stands at a height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall. Throughout his career, Jones has been known for his impressive reach and striking ability, attributes that have helped him become one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. He has a long and lanky frame that allows him to use his height and reach to his advantage, particularly in the striking department. Jones’ height and reach are considered to be some of his biggest assets and have played a big role in his success in the octagon.
Mixed martial arts records
28 matches | 26 Wins | 1 Loss |
By knockout | 10 | 0 |
By submission | 6 | 0 |
By decision | 10 | 0 |
By disqualification | 0 | 1 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Win | 26–1 (1) | Dominick Reyes | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 247 | 8-Feb-20 | Houston, Texas, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Vacated the championship on August 17, 2020. |
Win | 25–1 (1) | Thiago Santos | Decision (split) | UFC 239 | 6-Jul-19 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 24–1 (1) | Anthony Smith | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 235 | 2-Mar-19 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Jones was deducted two points in round 4 after landing an illegal knee. |
Win | 23–1 (1) | Alexander Gustafsson | KO (punches) | UFC 232 | 29-Dec-18 | Inglewood, California, United States | Won the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
NC | 22–1 (1) | Daniel Cormier | NC (overturned by the CSAC) | UFC 214 | 29-Jul-17 | Anaheim, California, United States | For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Performance of the Night. Originally a KO (head kick and punches) win for Jones; overturned and Jones stripped of the title after testing positive for a turinabol metabolite. |
Win | 22–1 | Ovince Saint Preux | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 197 | 23-Apr-16 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Won the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Jones was stripped of the title after testing positive for clomiphene and letrozole prior to a title unification bout against Daniel Cormier. |
Win | 21–1 | Daniel Cormier | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 182 | 3-Jan-15 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. Jones was stripped of the title in April 2015 after violating the UFC’s Athlete Code of Conduct policy. |
Win | 20–1 | Glover Teixeira | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 172 | 26-Apr-14 | Baltimore, Maryland, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 19–1 | Alexander Gustafsson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 165 | 21-Sep-13 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. Broke the record for the most consecutive UFC Light Heavyweight title defenses (6). |
Win | 18–1 | Chael Sonnen | TKO (elbows and punches) | UFC 159 | 27-Apr-13 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 17–1 | Vitor Belfort | Submission (keylock) | UFC 152 | 22-Sep-12 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Submission of the Night. |
Win | 16–1 | Rashad Evans | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 145 | 21-Apr-12 | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 15–1 | Lyoto Machida | Technical Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 140 | 10-Dec-11 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
Win | 14–1 | Quinton Jackson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 135 | 24-Sep-11 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
Win | 13–1 | Maurício Rua | TKO (punches and knees) | UFC 128 | 19-Mar-11 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | Won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 12–1 | Ryan Bader | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 126 | 5-Feb-11 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Submission of the Night. |
Win | 11–1 | Vladimir Matyushenko | TKO (elbows) | UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko | 1-Aug-10 | San Diego, California, United States | |
Win | 10–1 | Brandon Vera | TKO (elbows and punches) | UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones | 21-Mar-10 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States | Knockout of the Night. |
Loss | 9–1 | Matt Hamill | DQ (illegal elbows) | The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale | 5-Dec-09 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 9–0 | Jake O’Brien | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 100 | 11-Jul-09 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 8–0 | Stephan Bonnar | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 94 | 31-Jan-09 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 7–0 | André Gusmão | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 87 | 9-Aug-08 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | |
Win | 6–0 | Moyses Gabin | TKO (punches) | Battle Cage Xtreme 5 | 12-Jul-08 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Won the USKBA Light Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 5–0 | Parker Porter | KO (punch) | World Championship Fighting 3 | 20-Jun-08 | Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States | |
Win | 4–0 | Ryan Verrett | TKO (punches) | USFL: War in the Woods 3 | 9-May-08 | Ledyard, Connecticut, United States | |
Win | 3–0 | Anthony Pina | Submission (guillotine choke) | Ice Fighter | 25-Apr-08 | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States | |
Win | 2–0 | Carlos Eduardo | KO (punches) | Battle Cage Xtreme 4 | 19-Apr-08 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Light Heavyweight debut. |
Win | 1–0 | Brad Bernard | TKO (punches) | FFP: Untamed 20 | 12-Apr-08 | Boxborough, Massachusetts, United States | Catchweight (210 lbs) bout. |