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 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.

Sections (5)

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 16, 2014: Jones Signs Sponsorship Deal with Reebok

On December 16, 2014, Jon Jones announced that he had signed a sponsorship deal with Reebok.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.