History of Jon Jones in Timeline
Jon Jones is a celebrated former American mixed martial artist, competing from 2008 to 2024, predominantly in the UFC. He held the UFC Light Heavyweight title twice, the interim Light Heavyweight title in 2016, and the UFC Heavyweight title from 2023 to 2025. Jones is one of few UFC fighters to win titles in two different weight classes and defend titles in two different divisions. He is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history.
2 hours ago : Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier Engage in Heated Exchange During Reality TV Taping.
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier engaged in a tense poolside staredown and traded jabs during the taping of a reality TV show, with Cormier branding Jones 'fat' and accusing him of cheating.
July 19, 1987: Jon Jones Born
On July 19, 1987, Jonathan Dwight Jones, later known as Jon Jones, was born.
2004: Wrestling Achievements
In 2004, Jon Jones won the Northeast Junior Greco‑Roman Regional Championship, the STAC Wrestling Championship, and placed third at the New York State Division I Championships.
2005: New York State Division I Title
In 2005, Jon Jones captured the New York State Division I title at 189 lb and was named an NHSCA Senior All‑American.
January 2008: Jones Participates in Northeastern Grappler's Challenge
In January 2008, Jon Jones participated in the Northeastern Grappler's Challenge in Ithaca, New York. Jones competed in two matches, both against Doug Fournet, whom Jones submitted both times with a 'Kimura'.
April 2008: Professional MMA Debut
In April 2008, Jon Jones made his professional MMA debut.
August 9, 2008: UFC Debut
On August 9, 2008, Jon Jones made his UFC debut against André Gusmão at UFC 87, winning by unanimous decision.
2008: Professional MMA Career Begins
In 2008, Jon Jones started his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career.
January 31, 2009: Victory Over Stephan Bonnar
On January 31, 2009, Jon Jones defeated Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94 by unanimous decision.
July 11, 2009: Victory Over Jake O'Brien
On July 11, 2009, Jon Jones won against Jake O'Brien at UFC 100 via submission.
September 2009: New UFC Contract
In September 2009, Jon Jones signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC.
December 5, 2009: Disqualification Loss to Matt Hamill
On December 5, 2009, Jon Jones fought Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale but was disqualified for using illegal 12–6 elbows, resulting in a loss.
March 21, 2010: TKO Victory Over Brandon Vera
On March 21, 2010, Jon Jones defeated Brandon Vera by TKO at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones, also winning the "Knockout of the Night" award.
August 1, 2010: TKO Victory Over Vladimir Matyushenko
On August 1, 2010, Jon Jones defeated Vladimir Matyushenko by TKO at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko in the first round.
December 2010: Jones Signs Endorsement Deal with Xyience
In December 2010, Xyience announced that they had signed Jon Jones to an endorsement deal, making him a brand ambassador.
February 5, 2011: Submission Victory Over Ryan Bader
On February 5, 2011, Jon Jones handed Ryan Bader his first professional loss by defeating him via submission at UFC 126 and was awarded the "Submission of the Night" bonus.
March 19, 2011: UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Win
On March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, Jon Jones defeated Maurício "Shogun" Rua by TKO in Round 3 to become the youngest ever UFC champion.
August 6, 2011: Title Defense Postponed
Jon Jones's first title defense, expected on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133 against Rashad Evans, was sidelined due to a hand injury.
September 24, 2011: Title Defense Against Quinton Jackson
On September 24, 2011, Jon Jones made his first title defense against Quinton Jackson at UFC 135, defeating him via rear naked choke submission.
October 2011: Jones Featured in ESPN The Magazine's The Body Issue
In October 2011, Jon Jones was featured as an athlete in ESPN The Magazine's The Body Issue.
December 10, 2011: Title Defense Against Lyoto Machida
On December 10, 2011, Jon Jones successfully defended the light heavyweight title at UFC 140, stopping Lyoto Machida via guillotine choke technical submission.
April 21, 2012: Victory Over Rashad Evans
On April 21, 2012, Jon Jones won against Rashad Evans at UFC 145 via unanimous decision.
May 19, 2012: Jones Arrested for DUI
On May 19, 2012, Jon Jones drove his Bentley Continental GT into a pole in Binghamton, New York, and was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
August 8, 2012: Jones Sponsored by Nike Internationally
On August 8, 2012, Jon Jones became the first mixed martial artist to be sponsored by Nike on an international scale. He was also the first MMA fighter to have his own shoe line, and the first to represent Gatorade and MuscleTech in the Octagon.
September 22, 2012: Title Defense Against Vitor Belfort
On September 22, 2012, Jon Jones defended the championship against Vitor Belfort at UFC 152.
2012: Favorite Fight
In 2012, Jon Jones stated that his fight against Quinton Jackson in 2011 was his favorite fight up to that point.
April 27, 2013: Victory Over Chael Sonnen
On April 27, 2013, Jon Jones defeated Chael Sonnen via TKO at UFC 159, tying Tito Ortiz for most consecutive title defenses in UFC light heavyweight history.
September 21, 2013: Jones vs. Gustafsson at UFC 165
On September 21, 2013, at UFC 165, Jon Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson. Jones won via unanimous decision despite suffering a cut above his eye in the first round. The fight earned both fighters the Fight of the Night bonus award and was highly praised, later being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing.
November 13, 2013: Announcement of Jones vs. Teixeira at UFC 170
On November 13, 2013, it was announced that Jon Jones would fight Glover Teixeira at UFC 170, scheduled for February 22, 2014, though the fight was later removed from the card.
2013: Jones serves as coach for The Ultimate Fighter
In 2013, Jones served as a head coach opposite Chael Sonnen on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen
April 2014: Jones Mocks Eye-Poking Criticism
In April 2014, Jon Jones released a video on Instagram mocking fans who criticized him for repeatedly poking his opponents in the eyes.
April 27, 2014: UFC President confirmed Jones would have rematch against Gustafsson
On April 27, 2014, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones would next have a rematch against Gustafsson, and stated the possibility of the match taking place in a stadium in Sweden on pay-per-view.
May 24, 2014: Possible date for Jones vs Gustafsson rematch
On May 24, 2014, it was indicated that the rematch between Jon Jones and Gustafsson would take place in Las Vegas on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177, but Gustafsson was the only one who had agreed to accept the match.
June 5, 2014: UFC confirms Jones vs. Gustafsson rematch
On June 5, 2014, the UFC confirmed that the rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson would take place on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178.
August 4, 2014: Jones and Cormier Scuffle at UFC 178 Promotional Event
On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier briefly scuffled after Jones pressed his forehead against Cormier's forehead. Cormier shoved Jones by the throat, and Jones responded by throwing a punch. Cormier later expressed a desire to spit in Jones' face, to which Jones threatened to kill Cormier.
August 12, 2014: Jones Withdraws from UFC 178
On August 12, 2014, it was announced that Jon Jones had sustained a leg injury in training, causing him to withdraw from UFC 178. The bout was rescheduled.
September 23, 2014: Jones Fined and Ordered to Community Service by Nevada Athletic Commission
On September 23, 2014, Jon Jones was fined $50,000 and ordered to undergo 40 hours of community service by the Nevada Athletic Commission for his altercation with Daniel Cormier. He initially claimed to have lost a six-figure endorsement deal with Nike but later admitted to fabricating the statement.
December 3, 2014: Random Drug Test
On December 3, 2014, Jon Jones was randomly tested for drugs. The results later came back positive for benzoylecgonine.
December 16, 2014: Jones Signs Sponsorship Deal with Reebok
On December 16, 2014, Jon Jones announced that he had signed a sponsorship deal with Reebok.
January 6, 2015: Failed Drug Test Announcement
On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jon Jones had failed a drug test prior to UFC 182, testing positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine.
January 19, 2015: Jones Interviewed After Failed Drug Test
On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones was interviewed for the first time since the failed drug test, stating that he was not a cocaine addict and had made a "really dumb decision."
April 27, 2015: Jones Sought in Hit-and-Run Investigation
On April 27, 2015, Albuquerque police stated that Jon Jones was wanted in connection with a hit-and-run from the previous morning. He allegedly ran a red light and crashed his rental car into two other vehicles, fleeing the scene on foot and leaving an injured pregnant woman behind. The charges were elevated to a felony.
April 28, 2015: Jones Stripped of Title and Suspended
On April 28, 2015, Jon Jones was stripped of the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship belt and suspended from the UFC indefinitely following a hit-and-run incident.
April 29, 2015: Reebok Terminates Jones' Sponsorship
On April 29, 2015, Reebok terminated their sponsorship with Jon Jones following his involvement in a hit-and-run incident. Jones also lost his sponsorship with MuscleTech a day later.
September 29, 2015: Jones Pleads Guilty to Leaving the Scene of an Accident
On September 29, 2015, Jon Jones pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and was sentenced to up to 18 months of supervised probation, authorized to travel for work. He completed 72 appearances for charity or youth outreach, avoiding a felony charge.
October 23, 2015: Jones Reinstated to UFC Roster
On October 23, 2015, the UFC announced that Jon Jones had been reinstated to the active roster, nearly six months after his suspension was announced.
November 4, 2015: Jones Signs Sponsorship Deal with GAT Nutrition
On November 4, 2015, Jon Jones signed a sponsorship deal with GAT Nutrition.
2015: Stripped of Title
In 2015, Jon Jones was stripped of his light heavyweight title and removed from the official UFC rankings after being arrested on felony hit-and-run charges.
July 6, 2016: Jones Removed from UFC 200
On July 6, 2016, Jon Jones was removed from his bout at UFC 200 by USADA on June 16 after a potential doping violation.
July 8, 2016: Failed Drug Test Before UFC 200
On July 8, 2016, it was revealed that a urine sample from Jon Jones tested positive for banned substances, clomiphene and letrozole, before his scheduled fight with Cormier at UFC 200.
October 2016: Jones Wins NAGA Grappling Tournament
In October 2016, after being called out by MMA fans, Jon Jones participated in the NAGA no-gi grappling tournament, winning both of his matches with guillotines.
November 7, 2016: Jones Suspended by USADA
On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jon Jones had been suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7, 2016, due to a doping violation.
December 1, 2016: Jones Reveals He Has Four Daughters
On December 1, 2016, Jon Jones mentioned in an interview with Joe Rogan that he has four daughters aged 9, 8, 6, and 3.
December 10, 2016: Jones Submits Henderson in Grappling Match
On December 10, 2016, Jon Jones fought retired MMA veteran Dan Henderson in a grappling match for the Submission Underground 2 tournament, submitting Henderson with an arm-triangle choke.
December 2016: Jones Admits to Fleeing Hit-and-Run Scene
In December 2016, Jon Jones admitted he had run from the scene of the accident and had not checked on the occupant of the other vehicle.
2016: Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
In 2016, Jon Jones became the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
2016: Victorious Return, Cut Short
In 2016, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and won a title bout against Ovince Saint Preux. However, this return was cut short due to Jones testing positive for banned substances and receiving a suspension.
July 29, 2017: Jones Wins UFC 214
On July 29, 2017, at UFC 214, Jon Jones defeated Daniel Cormier and re-captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout in the third round, also receiving a Performance of the Night bonus.
August 22, 2017: Potential Doping Violation Announced
On August 22, 2017, it was announced that Jon Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA, stemming from a test sample collected on July 28, one day before his rematch against Cormier at UFC 214. He tested positive for Turinabol.
2017: Turinabol M3 metabolite
In 2017 doctors attributed ultra trace amount of turinabol, which doctors attributed to a long-term "pulsing effect" of the M3 metabolite.
2017: Suspension and No Contest
In 2017, Jon Jones won against Daniel Cormier, but the victory was reversed to a no contest after he tested positive for banned substances and received another suspension.
2017: Mother's Death
In 2017, Jon Jones' mother, Camille, passed away at the age of 55 after a long battle with diabetes.
2017: Unified Rules Amended Regarding Eye Pokes
In 2017, the Unified Rules were amended to prohibit extending a fighter's fingers towards the eyes of an opponent, following criticism of Jon Jones' history of eye-poking.
September 2018: Jones Receives USADA Suspension
In September 2018, USADA announced that Jon Jones would serve a suspension of 15 months due to anti-doping offences.
October 10, 2018: Jones Return Announced for UFC 232
On October 10, 2018, it was announced that Jon Jones would return at UFC 232 on December 29, 2018, in a rematch with Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
October 28, 2018: Eligibility to Fight Again
On October 28, 2018, Jon Jones became eligible to fight again and was scheduled to fight Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232.
December 29, 2018: Jones Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
On December 29, 2018, Jon Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson by technical knockout in the third round at UFC 232 to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
2018: Championship Reclaimed
In 2018, Jon Jones reclaimed the championship by defeating Alexander Gustafsson.
March 2, 2019: Jones vs. Smith at UFC 235
On March 2, 2019, Jon Jones faced Anthony Smith at UFC 235, winning via unanimous decision despite an illegal knee that resulted in a point deduction.
April 2019: Alleged Battery Incident at Albuquerque Strip Club
In April 2019, Jon Jones was allegedly involved in a battery incident with a cocktail waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The waitress claimed Jones slapped, choked, kissed, and touched her inappropriately.
July 6, 2019: Jones vs. Santos at UFC 239
On July 6, 2019, Jon Jones faced Thiago Santos at UFC 239, winning by split decision and defending his title for the second time.
July 21, 2019: Jones Charged with Battery
On July 21, 2019, it was reported that Jon Jones had been charged with battery for an alleged incident in April 2019 involving a cocktail waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
September 26, 2019: Jones Pleads No Contest to Battery Charges
On September 26, 2019, Jon Jones pleaded no contest to battery charges stemming from an incident with a cocktail waitress. He received a 90-day deferred sentence and was ordered to avoid arrest, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and not return to the scene.
December 2019: Jones Donates Coats to Homeless
In December 2019, Jon Jones donated $20,000 worth of coats to homeless people in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He also partnered with a local charity to give out hot meals and toys to children.
2019: Attempt to Overturn Disqualification
In 2019, Dana White mentioned he was still trying to have Jon Jones's 2009 disqualification loss to Matt Hamill overturned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to a no contest.
February 8, 2020: Jones vs. Reyes at UFC 247
On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones fought Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 and won via a controversial unanimous decision, setting a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.
March 26, 2020: Jones Arrested for DWI and Firearm Possession
On March 26, 2020, Jon Jones was arrested in Albuquerque for aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container, and driving with no proof of insurance. He failed a field sobriety test and registered a BAC more than twice the legal limit. A partially empty bottle of Recuerdo Mezcal and a black handgun were found in his vehicle.
May 2020: Jones Donates to The Food Depot
In May 2020, Jon Jones donated $25,000 to The Food Depot, an organization dedicated to combating hunger.
August 15, 2020: Jones Relinquishes Light Heavyweight Championship
On August 15, 2020, Jon Jones announced on social media that he would be relinquishing the Light Heavyweight Championship, as well expressing his desire to move up to heavyweight.
2020: Gable Steveson wins Olympic gold medal
In 2020, Gable Steveson won an Olympic gold medal, before being trained by Jones in 2025.
2020: Jones Founds the C.A.R.E. Project
In 2020, Jon Jones founded the C.A.R.E. Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cleanup and beautification of New Mexico. Through his foundation, Jones has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting his community.
2020: Title Vacated
In 2020, Jon Jones voluntarily vacated the championship title.
September 24, 2021: Jones Arrested for Domestic Incident and Tampering with Police Vehicle
In the early hours of September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a domestic incident at Caesars Palace involving his fiancée, Jessie Moses. He was charged with domestic battery and tampering with a police vehicle after headbutting the hood of a patrol car and making threats. His bail was set at $16,000.
February 23, 2022: Jones Announces Fiancée Split
On February 23, 2022, Jon Jones announced via Twitter that his fiancée, Jessie, had left him approximately two months prior.
March 4, 2023: Jones Wins UFC Heavyweight Championship
On March 4, 2023, Jon Jones faced Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285, winning the title via a guillotine choke submission in the first round and earning the Performance of the Night bonus award.
November 11, 2023: Jones Pulls Out of UFC 295 Due to Injury
On November 11, 2023, Jon Jones was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 after tearing a pectoral tendon.
2023: UFC Heavyweight Champion
In 2023, Jon Jones became the UFC Heavyweight Champion.
March 30, 2024: Drug-Testing Agent Reports Assault and Threats by Jones
On March 30, 2024, Crystal Martinez, a drug-testing agent from Drug Free Sport, filed a police report stating that Jon Jones allegedly assaulted her and threatened to kill her during a visit to his home while collecting a urine sample as part of the UFC's anti-doping program.
April 7, 2024: Albuquerque Police Issue Summons to Jones
On April 7, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department issued Jon Jones a summons citing assault and interference with communications offenses, related to the incident with the drug-testing agent.
June 2024: Jones Announces Custody of Son
In June 2024, Jon Jones announced that he had been granted 50/50 custody of his son, marking the first time he indicated having a son.
July 2024: Jones Pleads Not Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges
In July 2024, Jon Jones pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault and interference with communications offenses related to the incident with the drug-testing agent. The bench trial was initially set for August 22 but was postponed.
October 29, 2024: Jones Resolves Charges by Attending Anger Management Classes
On October 29, 2024, Jon Jones agreed to attend four hours of anger management classes to resolve charges related to the alleged assault of a drug-testing agent.
November 2024: Steveson Assists Jones with Title Defense
In November 2024, Gable Steveson assisted Jon Jones during preparations for his UFC heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic.
November 16, 2024: Jones vs. Miocic at UFC 309
On November 16, 2024, Jon Jones won against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 by technical knockout and broke the record for most title defenses in UFC history with twelve, also earning him another Performance of the Night award.
2024: Mixed martial artist until 2024
Jon Jones competed as a mixed martial artist until 2024.
January 15, 2025: Jones Becomes Longest-Tenured UFC Fighter
On January 15, 2025, following the removal of Clay Guida from the UFC roster, Jon Jones became the promotion's longest-tenured fighter.
January 2025: Jones Attends Trump Inauguration
In January 2025, Jon Jones attended President Donald Trump's inauguration after receiving a personal invitation.
February 2025: Jones Partners with Power to the Patients
In February 2025, Jon Jones partnered with Power to the Patients, a healthcare reform group, to advocate for more affordable and accessible healthcare.
March 2025: Jones Becomes Co-Owner of "Dirty Boxing Championship"
In March 2025, it was announced that Jon Jones is a co-owner of "Dirty Boxing Championship".
June 17, 2025: Criminal Summons Filed
On June 17, 2025, a criminal summons was filed in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, accusing Jon Jones of a misdemeanor for allegedly fleeing the scene of a traffic accident that occurred earlier in the year.
June 21, 2025: Jones Reportedly Retires from MMA
On June 21, 2025, at the post-fight press conference of UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr., Dana White announced that Jon Jones had retired from mixed martial arts competition.
July 4, 2025: Jones Re-enters UFC Testing Pool
As of July 4, 2025, Jon Jones is reported to have re-entered the testing pool and is listed as active on the official UFC website.
October 3, 2025: Death of Arthur Jones
On October 3, 2025, Jon Jones' older brother, Arthur, passed away at the age of 39.
2025: Jones Coaches on ALF Reality
In 2025, Jon Jones coached on ALF Reality, a Russian reality fighting series, appearing in its second season opposite Jorge Masvidal.
2025: Jones Trains Gable Steveson
In 2025, Jon Jones has been training 2020 Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson since Steveson's transition to mixed martial arts.
2025: Retirement
In 2025, Jon Jones retired after defending the heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic.
2025: UFC Heavyweight Champion
In 2025, Jon Jones was the UFC Heavyweight Champion.
2025: Jones and 1win Charity Global Campaign
In 2025, Jon Jones, together with 1win Charity, launched a global campaign from December 1–23 that involved over 60,000 participants from 40+ countries. The campaign fulfilled more than 100 wishes worldwide with a $100,000 prize fund, including personal gifts and community support.
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