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 notably held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship twice (2011-2015, 2018-2020) and the Heavyweight Championship (2023-2025), in addition to an interim Light Heavyweight title in 2016. Jones competed professionally from 2008 to 2025.

Sections (5)

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

January 2008: Participation 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 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut.

August 9, 2008: UFC Debut Against André Gusmão

On August 9, 2008, Jon Jones made his UFC debut against André Gusmão at UFC 87, winning via unanimous decision after accepting the fight on two weeks' notice as a replacement.

2008: Start of MMA Career

In 2008, Jon Jones began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career, marking the start of his journey in the sport.

January 31, 2009: Victory over Stephan Bonnar

On January 31, 2009, Jon Jones fought against veteran Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94, securing a victory via unanimous decision and continuing his rise in the UFC.

July 11, 2009: Victory Over Jake O'Brien

On July 11, 2009, Jon Jones won his fight against Jake O'Brien at UFC 100 via submission, showcasing his growing skill set in the sport.

September 2009: New Four-Fight Contract with UFC

In September 2009, after a series of victories, Jon Jones signed a new four-fight contract with the UFC, indicating the organization's confidence in his potential.

December 5, 2009: Disqualification Against Matt Hamill

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

March 21, 2010: Victory Against Brandon Vera

On March 21, 2010, Jon Jones defeated Brandon Vera by TKO at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones. He also won the "Knockout of the Night" award after breaking Vera's face in three places.

August 1, 2010: TKO Victory Over Vladimir Matyushenko

On August 1, 2010, at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko, Jon Jones defeated Vladimir Matyushenko by TKO in the first round. Dana White praised Jones and hinted at a significant step up in competition.

December 2010: Jones signs endorsement deal with Xyience

In December 2010, Xyience announced that it had signed Jon Jones to an endorsement deal as a brand ambassador.

February 5, 2011: Victory Against Ryan Bader

On February 5, 2011, at UFC 126, Jon Jones defeated Ryan Bader via submission due to a guillotine choke in the second round, handing Bader his first professional loss. Jones was awarded the "Submission of the Night" bonus.

March 19, 2011: UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

On March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, Jon Jones defeated Maurício "Shogun" Rua by TKO in the third round, becoming the youngest ever UFC champion.

August 6, 2011: Initial Title Defense Date

On August 6, 2011, Jon Jones's first title defense was initially scheduled at UFC 133 against Rashad Evans, but Jones was sidelined due to a hand injury.

September 24, 2011: Victory Against Quinton Jackson

On September 24, 2011, at UFC 135, Jon Jones made his first title defense against Quinton Jackson, defeating him via rear naked choke submission in the 4th round. He also became the first UFC fighter to submit Jackson.

October 2011: 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, at UFC 140, Jon Jones successfully defended his light heavyweight title against Lyoto Machida, stopping him at 4:26 of the second round via guillotine choke technical submission. This marked the first submission loss in Machida's career.

2011: First Light Heavyweight Championship

In 2011, Jon Jones won the Light Heavyweight Championship in the UFC for the first time, marking a significant milestone in his career.

April 21, 2012: Victory Against Rashad Evans

On April 21, 2012, at UFC 145, Jon Jones faced his arch-rival and former teammate Rashad Evans, winning via unanimous decision. Following the fight, a bout with Dan Henderson was planned.

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.

September 22, 2012: Title Defense Against Vitor Belfort

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

2012: Scheduled Fight Against Henderson at UFC 151

In 2012, Jon Jones and Dan Henderson had been scheduled to fight in the main event at UFC 151, but Henderson suffered an injury during training and was forced to withdraw.

2012: Favorite Fight

In 2012, Jon Jones stated that his fight against Quinton Jackson on September 24, 2011 was his favorite fight up to that point.

April 27, 2013: Victory over Chael Sonnen at UFC 159

On April 27, 2013, Jon Jones defeated Chael Sonnen via TKO in the first round at UFC 159. Jones tied Tito Ortiz for the 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. Despite being cut above the eye in the first round, Jones won via unanimous decision. The fight was highly competitive, earning both fighters the Fight of the Night bonus award and widespread praise as an instant classic.

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, although this date would later change.

April 26, 2014: Jones defeats Teixeira at UFC 172

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

April 27, 2014: UFC President confirms Jones vs. Gustafsson Rematch

On April 27, 2014, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones' next fight would be a rematch against Alexander Gustafsson, possibly in a stadium in Sweden on pay-per-view.

May 24, 2014: Indication of Rematch Taking Place in Las Vegas

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

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

On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier had a scuffle during an on-stage staredown. This led to threats and the involvement of the UFC chief legal officer and Nevada State Athletic Commission.

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 at UFC 178. The bout was later rescheduled.

September 23, 2014: Jones fined and ordered to do community service

On September 23, 2014, Jon Jones was fined $50,000 and ordered to undergo 40 hours of community service by the Nevada Athletic Commission following an altercation with Daniel Cormier. Jones also admitted to fabricating a statement about losing a Nike endorsement deal.

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 3, 2015: Jones defeats Cormier at UFC 182

On January 3, 2015, Jon Jones fought Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 and won by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46). He also became the first person to take Cormier down, scoring three takedowns. Jones earned his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award.

April 29, 2015: Reebok terminates sponsorship

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

May 23, 2015: Jones Expected to Defend Title Against Johnson at UFC 187

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

October 23, 2015: UFC Announces Jones' Reinstatement

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

November 4, 2015: Jones signs with GAT Nutrition

On November 4, 2015, Jon Jones signed a sponsorship deal with GAT Nutrition.

2015: Stripped of Title After Arrest

In 2015, Jon Jones was stripped of his UFC Light Heavyweight title and removed from rankings after being arrested on felony hit-and-run charges, marking the start of a period of controversies.

2015: End of First Light Heavyweight Championship Reign

In 2015, Jon Jones's first reign as the Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC came to an end.

April 23, 2016: Cormier Pulls Out of Fight Against Jones at UFC 197

On April 23, 2016, a rematch with Cormier was expected to take place at UFC 197. However, Cormier pulled out of the fight on April 1, citing a foot injury, and was replaced by Ovince Saint Preux. Jones defeated Saint Preux by unanimous decision (50–44, 50–45, and 50–45).

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

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

July 9, 2016: Rescheduled Rematch with Cormier Expected

On July 9, 2016, the rematch with Daniel Cormier was rescheduled and expected to take place at UFC 200.

October 2016: Participation in NAGA no-gi grappling tournament

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

November 7, 2016: Jones Suspended for One Year by USADA

On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jon Jones had been suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7, due to a doping violation.

December 10, 2016: Jones wins grappling match against Dan Henderson

On December 10, 2016, Jon Jones fought retired MMA veteran Dan Henderson in a grappling match for the Submission Underground 2 tournament. Jones submitted Henderson with an arm-triangle choke six minutes into the bout.

2016: Interim Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2016, Jon Jones became the interim Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC, a temporary title in the division.

2016: Victory Against Ovince Saint Preux

In 2016, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and emerged victorious in a title bout against Ovince Saint Preux; however, this win was later affected by controversies.

July 29, 2017: Jones wins and then loses Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 214

On July 29, 2017, Jon Jones fought Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, winning the fight and recapturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout in the third round. Jones was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus. However, the result was later overturned due to a doping violation.

2017: Suspension Lifted and Subsequent Suspension

In 2017, after a prior suspension, Jon Jones faced further suspensions due to testing positive for banned substances, which resulted in a title bout victory being overturned to a no contest. His mother also passed away.

September 2018: USADA Announces Jones' Suspension of 15 Months

In September 2018, USADA announced that Jon Jones would serve a suspension of 15 months for a doping violation. This was reduced from a potential 48 months due to Jones's cooperation.

October 10, 2018: Jones' Return at UFC 232 Announced

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 against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 in Las Vegas.

December 29, 2018: Jones Defeats Gustafsson at UFC 232

On December 29, 2018, Jon Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson by technical knockout in the third round at UFC 232, winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

2018: Second Light Heavyweight Championship

In 2018, Jon Jones regained the Light Heavyweight Championship in the UFC, marking his second reign in the division.

2018: Championship Reclaimed

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

March 2, 2019: Jones Defends Title Against Smith at UFC 235

On March 2, 2019, Jon Jones faced Anthony Smith at UFC 235. Jones won the fight via unanimous decision, defending his title, despite a point deduction for an illegal knee.

July 6, 2019: Jones Defeats Santos at UFC 239

On July 6, 2019, Jon Jones faced Thiago Santos at UFC 239 and won the back-and-forth match via split decision, defending his title for the second time.

December 2019: Jones donates coats to homeless in Albuquerque

In December 2019, Jon Jones donated and handed out $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 Result

In 2019, Dana White was still attempting to have Jon Jones's disqualification loss to Matt Hamill overturned to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, years after the original fight.

February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Reyes at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, winning by controversial unanimous decision. With this win, Jones set a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.

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 and expressed his desire to move up to heavyweight.

2020: Jones founds 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. Through his foundation, Jones has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting his community.

2020: Title Vacated

In 2020, Jon Jones voluntarily vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, marking a pause in his title reigns.

2020: End of Second Light Heavyweight Championship Reign

In 2020, Jon Jones's second reign as the Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC came to an end.

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

On March 4, 2023, after over three years away from the sport, Jon Jones faced Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285. He won the bout via guillotine choke submission in the first round and earned the Performance of the Night bonus award.

November 11, 2023: Jones forced to withdraw from UFC 295

On November 11, 2023, Jon Jones was scheduled to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. However, Jones was forced to pull out due to injury after tearing a pectoral tendon.

2023: Heavyweight Championship

In 2023, Jon Jones became the Heavyweight Champion in the UFC, adding another title to his accomplishments.

November 16, 2024: Jones defeats Miocic at UFC 309 and breaks the record for most title defenses in UFC history

On November 16, 2024, Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic fought at UFC 309, and Jones 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. This fight earned him 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 co-owns Dirty Boxing Championship

In March 2025, it was announced that Jon Jones is a co-owner of "Dirty Boxing Championship".

June 21, 2025: Jones Announces Retirement from Mixed Martial Arts

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.