Challenges in the Life of Jon Jones in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Jon Jones faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

January 6, 2015: Failed Drug Test Announcement

On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jon Jones failed a drug test prior to UFC 182. He tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine, but was not halted from participating during UFC 182.

January 19, 2015: Jones' Interview After Failed Drug Test

On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones was interviewed for the first time since the failed drug test and said he was not a cocaine addict but made a dumb decision.

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.

July 8, 2016: Failed Drug Test

On July 8, 2016, a urine sample from Jon Jones tested positive for two banned substances, clomiphene and letrozole, prior to his scheduled championship bout with Cormier at UFC 200. As a result, Jones had to withdraw from the event.

August 22, 2017: Potential Doping Violation Flagged

On August 22, 2017, it was announced that Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA, stemming from his test sample that was collected on July 28, one day before his rematch against Cormier at UFC 214. He tested positive for Turinabol.

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.

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.

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.

June 17, 2025: Criminal Summons Filed

On June 17, 2025, a criminal summons was filed in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, accusing Jones of a misdemeanor charge for allegedly fleeing the scene of a traffic accident that occurred on February 24.