Career Timeline of Jon Jones: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jon Jones built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jon Jones is a former American professional mixed martial artist, celebrated as one of the greatest of all time. He achieved significant success in the UFC, holding the Light Heavyweight Championship twice (2011-2015, 2018-2020) and the Heavyweight Championship (2023-2025). He also held the interim Light Heavyweight title in 2016. His career spanned from 2008 to 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2004: Wrestling Championship

In 2004, Jon Jones won the Northeast Junior Greco‑Roman Regional Championship at 189-pounds and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. He also won the STAC Wrestling Championship and placed third at the NYSPHSAA Division I state championships that year.

2005: State Title Captured

In 2005, Jon Jones captured the NYSPHSAA Division I state title at 189-pounds and was named an NHSCA Senior All‑American.

January 2008: 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, and won the USKBA Light Heavyweight Championship before joining the UFC.

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: MMA Career Start

In 2008, Jonathan Dwight Jones began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career.

January 31, 2009: Victory at UFC 94

On January 31, 2009, Jon Jones defeated Stephan Bonnar by unanimous decision at UFC 94.

July 11, 2009: Defeat of Jake O'Brien

On July 11, 2009, Jon Jones defeated Jake O'Brien via submission at UFC 100.

September 2009: New UFC Contract

In September 2009, Jon Jones signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC, recognizing his successful performances.

December 5, 2009: Disqualification Against Matt Hamill

On December 5, 2009, Jon Jones fought Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale and was disqualified for using illegal 12–6 elbows, marking the first time Nevada used its instant replay rule.

2009: Jones begins training at Jackson Wink MMA gym

In 2009, Jon Jones started training at Jackson Wink MMA gym, marking a significant step in his MMA career and development.

March 21, 2010: Victory and Award at UFC Live

On March 21, 2010, Jon Jones defeated Brandon Vera by TKO at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones, earning the "Knockout of the Night" award.

August 1, 2010: Defeat of Vladimir Matyushenko

On August 1, 2010, Jon Jones defeated Vladimir Matyushenko by TKO at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko, solidifying his position in the top eight in the world.

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 for the company.

February 5, 2011: Victory Over Ryan Bader

On February 5, 2011, Jon Jones defeated Ryan Bader via submission at UFC 126, earning the "Submission of the Night" bonus.

March 19, 2011: Light Heavyweight Championship Win

On March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, Jon Jones defeated Maurício "Shogun" Rua by TKO to become the youngest UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

September 24, 2011: Victory Over Quinton Jackson

On September 24, 2011, Jon Jones defeated Quinton Jackson via submission at UFC 135, marking the first time Jackson had been submitted in the UFC.

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, gaining recognition outside of the MMA world.

December 10, 2011: Title Defense at UFC 140

On December 10, 2011, at UFC 140, Jon Jones successfully defended his light heavyweight title by defeating Lyoto Machida via technical submission.

2011: Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2011, Jonathan Dwight Jones became the Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC.

April 21, 2012: Victory Over Rashad Evans

On April 21, 2012, Jon Jones defeated Rashad Evans at UFC 145 by unanimous decision after a long-standing rivalry.

August 8, 2012: Jones sponsored by Nike

On August 8, 2012, Jon Jones became the first mixed martial artist to be sponsored by Nike on an international scale, marking a significant milestone in his career.

September 22, 2012: Title Defense Against Vitor Belfort

On September 22, 2012, Jon Jones defended the championship against Vitor Belfort at UFC 152 after Lyoto Machida rejected the fight due to a lack of training time.

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: Fight against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165

On September 21, 2013, Jon Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165, winning via unanimous decision despite a cut above his eye in the first round. Both fighters were hospitalized for lacerations and facial swelling but released without serious injuries. The bout was awarded Fight of the Night and received rave reviews, later being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing.

November 13, 2013: Jones vs. Teixeira at UFC 170 Announcement

On November 13, 2013, it was announced that Jon Jones would fight Glover Teixeira at UFC 170, scheduled for February 22, 2014, though this was subsequently removed from the card.

December 4, 2013: Jones vs. Teixeira at UFC 171 Announcement

On December 4, 2013, it was announced that Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira would face each other at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, in Dallas, Texas; however, the fight was moved again.

April 26, 2014: Jones Defeats Teixeira at UFC 172

On April 26, 2014, Jon Jones fought Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 and won the bout via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, and 50–45).

April 27, 2014: Rematch against Gustafsson Confirmed

On April 27, 2014, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones would next have a rematch against Alexander Gustafsson, with a possible stadium match in Sweden on pay-per-view.

May 24, 2014: Rematch against Gustafsson Indicated for UFC 177

On May 24, 2014, it was indicated that the rematch between Jones and Gustafsson would take place in Las Vegas on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177, but it was not yet official.

June 5, 2014: Jones vs. Gustafsson Rematch Set for UFC 178

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: Scuffle between Jones and Cormier during UFC 178 promotional event

On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier engaged in a scuffle, initiated by Jones pressing his forehead against Cormier's, leading to a physical altercation and threats.

August 12, 2014: Jones Withdraws from UFC 178 Due to Injury

On August 12, 2014, it was announced that Jon Jones had sustained a leg injury in training, causing him to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Daniel Cormier. The bout was rescheduled for January 3, 2015, at UFC 182.

September 23, 2014: Jones fined and ordered to community service for altercation with Cormier

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 role in the altercation with Daniel Cormier.

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, further expanding his endorsement portfolio.

January 3, 2015: Jones Defeats Cormier at UFC 182

On January 3, 2015, Jon Jones defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46), earning his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award. However, he later failed a drug test for cocaine one month prior.

April 29, 2015: Reebok terminates sponsorship with Jones

On April 29, 2015, Reebok terminated their sponsorship with Jon Jones following his involvement in a hit-and-run incident, impacting his endorsement deals.

May 23, 2015: UFC 187

Jon Jones was expected to defend his title against Anthony Johnson on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187.

October 23, 2015: Jones Reinstated to UFC Active Roster

On October 23, 2015, the UFC announced that Jon Jones had been reinstated to the active roster after his suspension.

November 4, 2015: Jones signs sponsorship deal with GAT Nutrition

On November 4, 2015, Jon Jones signed a sponsorship deal with GAT Nutrition, adding another endorsement to his portfolio.

2015: End of First Light Heavyweight Championship Reign

In 2015, Jonathan Dwight Jones's first reign as the Light Heavyweight Champion came to an end.

April 23, 2016: Jones Defeats Saint Preux at UFC 197

On April 23, 2016, Jon Jones defeated Ovince Saint Preux by unanimous decision (50–44, 50–45, and 50–45) at UFC 197, after Cormier pulled out of the fight due to a foot injury.

July 6, 2016: Jones Removed from UFC 200 Due to Doping Violation

On July 6, 2016, Jon Jones was removed from his scheduled bout at UFC 200 by USADA on June 16 after a potential doping violation.

July 9, 2016: UFC 200

The rematch with Cormier was rescheduled and expected to take place on July 9, 2016, at UFC 200.

October 2016: Jones participates in NAGA no-gi grappling tournament

In October 2016, after being called out by some MMA fans at the Europa Games expo, Jones decided to take part in the NAGA no-gi grappling tournament, winning both of his matches with guillotines.

November 7, 2016: USADA Suspends Jones for One Year

On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jon Jones had been suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7, following a doping violation. He was also stripped of his interim title.

December 10, 2016: Jones Submits Henderson in Grappling Match

On December 10, 2016, Jon Jones fought Dan Henderson in a grappling match for the Submission Underground 2 tournament, submitting him with an arm-triangle choke. Afterwards, Jones expressed interest in competing against Chael Sonnen.

2016: Victorious Return to UFC

In 2016, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and won a title bout against Ovince Saint Preux, though this victory was later impacted by controversies.

2016: Interim Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2016, Jonathan Dwight Jones became the interim Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC.

July 29, 2017: Jones Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 214

On July 29, 2017, Jon Jones defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, regaining the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout. He earned a Performance of the Night bonus, praised Cormier, and challenged Brock Lesnar to a fight.

September 2018: USADA Announces 15-Month Suspension

In September 2018, USADA announced that Jon Jones would serve a 15-month suspension for a doping violation, reduced from a potential 48 months due to his cooperation and degree of fault.

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, for a rematch with Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

October 28, 2018: Jones becomes eligible to fight again

On October 28, 2018, Jon Jones became eligible to fight again, and a fight against Alexander Gustafsson was scheduled. However, due to further inconsistencies with his drug test, the event was moved to Los Angeles and Jones had to enroll into the VADA testing program.

December 29, 2018: Jones Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 232

On December 29, 2018, Jon Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson by technical knockout to win the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 232.

2018: Championship Reclaimed

In 2018, Jon Jones reclaimed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Alexander Gustafsson after his suspension was lifted.

2018: Second Light Heavyweight Championship Reign

In 2018, Jonathan Dwight Jones started his second reign as the Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC.

March 2, 2019: Jones Defeats Anthony Smith at UFC 235

On March 2, 2019, Jon Jones faced Anthony Smith at UFC 235, winning via unanimous decision despite a point deduction for an illegal knee.

July 6, 2019: Jones Defeats Thiago Santos at UFC 239

On July 6, 2019, Jon Jones faced Thiago Santos at UFC 239, winning via split decision and defending his title.

December 2019: Jones donates coats to homeless people

In December 2019, Jon Jones donated and handed out $20,000 worth of coats to homeless people in Albuquerque, New Mexico, showcasing his philanthropic efforts.

February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Dominick Reyes at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, winning via controversial unanimous decision and setting a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.

February 2020: Heavyweight Fight Target

In February 2020, Jon Jones targeted a fight with heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou and wanted "Deontay Wilder money".

March 8, 2020: UFC Hall of Fame Induction Announcement

On March 8, 2020, it was announced that the September 21, 2013 fight between Jones and Gustafsson would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing on July 9.

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, demonstrating his commitment to community support.

May 2020: Conflict with Dana White Over Pay

In May 2020, Jon Jones had a conflict with UFC President Dana White over pay, leading to his later decision to vacate the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

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, expressing his desire to move up to heavyweight.

2020: Jones founds the C.A.R.E. Project

In 2020, Jon Jones founded the C.A.R.E. Project, a nonprofit dedicated to the cleanup and beautification of New Mexico, launching initiatives to support his community.

2020: Title Vacated

In 2020, Jon Jones voluntarily vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

2020: End of Second Light Heavyweight Championship Reign

In 2020, Jonathan Dwight Jones's second reign as the Light Heavyweight Champion came to an end.

March 4, 2023: Jones Wins UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285

On March 4, 2023, Jon Jones faced Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285, winning via guillotine choke submission in the first round and earning the Performance of the Night bonus award.

November 11, 2023: Jones Withdraws from UFC 295 Due to Injury

On November 11, 2023, Jon Jones was scheduled to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 but was forced to pull out due to a torn pectoral tendon. Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall fought for the interim title instead.

2023: Heavyweight Title Win

In 2023, Jon Jones returned to MMA after three years and won the UFC Heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.

November 2024: Steveson assists Jones during UFC heavyweight title defense

In November 2024, Gable Steveson decided to pursue MMA after assisting Jones during preparations for his November 2024 UFC heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic.

November 16, 2024: Jones vs. Miocic rescheduled to UFC 309

On November 16, 2024, the bout between Jon Jones and Miocic was rescheduled to UFC 309 where he won the fight by technical knockout via a spinning back kick followed by punches in the third round. With this twelfth title defense, Jones broke the record for most title defenses in UFC history and earned another Performance of the Night award.

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.

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", marking a new business venture for him.

June 21, 2025: Jones retires from mixed martial arts competition

On June 21, 2025, at the post-fight press conference of UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr., Dana White announced that Jones had retired from mixed martial arts competition and that Aspinall was the new undisputed champion as a result.

July 4, 2025: Jones re-entered the testing pool

On July 4, 2025, the day after UFC White House was announced, Jones said he re-entered the testing pool and is listed as active on the official UFC website.

2025: Retirement

In 2025, Jon Jones retired.

2025: Jones and 1win Charity Global Campaign

In 2025, Jon Jones, together with 1win Charity, ran a global campaign from December 1–23, drawing over 60,000 participants from 40+ countries and fulfilling more than 100 wishes worldwide, backed by a $100,000 prize fund, including personal gifts as well as community support.