Jon Jones is an American professional mixed martial artist widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He is currently signed to the UFC and holds the Heavyweight Champion title. He has also held the Light Heavyweight Champion title multiple times and is consistently ranked in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings. He has been a professional competitor since 2008.
July 19, 1987: Birth of Jon Jones
Jon Jones was born on July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York.
April 2008: Jon Jones's Early MMA Success
Jon Jones made his professional MMA debut in April 2008 and quickly achieved an undefeated record of 6-0 within three months, finishing all opponents.
August 9, 2008: Jon Jones's UFC Debut
Jon Jones made his UFC debut against André Gusmão at UFC 87 on August 9, 2008, stepping in as a late replacement for Tomasz Drwal. He won by unanimous decision.
2008: Jon Jones Begins His Professional MMA Career
Jon Jones embarked on his professional MMA journey in 2008.
January 31, 2009: Jon Jones vs. Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94
On January 31, 2009, at UFC 94, Jon Jones fought veteran Stephan Bonnar, securing a win by unanimous decision.
July 11, 2009: Jon Jones Defeats Jake O'Brien at UFC 100
Jon Jones's fight against Jake O'Brien took place at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009, where he won by submission with a guillotine choke.
September 2009: Jon Jones Signs New Four-Fight Contract with UFC
In September 2009, Jon Jones's victories earned him a new four-fight contract with the UFC.
December 5, 2009: Jon Jones vs. Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale
On December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale, Jon Jones fought Matt Hamill. Despite dominating the fight, Jones was disqualified for using illegal 12-6 elbows.
2009: Start of Training at Jackson Wink MMA
Jon Jones began his training at the renowned Jackson Wink MMA gym in 2009, marking a pivotal point in his mixed martial arts career.
March 21, 2010: Jon Jones vs. Brandon Vera at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones
On March 21, 2010, Jon Jones faced Brandon Vera at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones. Jones won by TKO in the first round, earning the "Knockout of the Night" award.
August 1, 2010: Jon Jones vs. Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko
Jon Jones fought against Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko on August 1, 2010, securing a win by TKO in the first round.
February 5, 2011: Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader at UFC 126
On February 5, 2011, at UFC 126, Jon Jones handed Ryan Bader his first professional loss, winning by submission in the second round and receiving the "Submission of the Night" bonus.
March 19, 2011: Jon Jones Becomes Youngest UFC Champion by Defeating Maurício "Shogun" Rua
On March 19, 2011, Jon Jones fought Maurício "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128, winning by TKO in the third round and becoming the youngest ever UFC champion.
August 6, 2011: Jon Jones Sidelined with Hand Injury
Jon Jones was expected to defend his title against Rashad Evans at UFC 133 on August 6, 2011. However, a hand injury requiring rest and rehabilitation prevented him from competing.
September 24, 2011: Jon Jones Defeats Quinton Jackson at UFC 135
Jon Jones successfully defended his title against Quinton Jackson at UFC 135 on September 24, 2011, winning by rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round. This marked the first time Jackson had been submitted in the UFC.
December 10, 2011: UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida
On December 10, 2011, Jon Jones faced Lyoto Machida at UFC 140, successfully defending his light heavyweight title. Despite being rocked in the first round, Jones secured a second-round victory via a guillotine choke, marking Machida's first submission loss.
2011: Jon Jones Becomes UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
In 2011, Jon Jones achieved a significant milestone by becoming the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
April 21, 2012: UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans
On April 21, 2012, at UFC 145, Jon Jones fought his former teammate Rashad Evans, winning by unanimous decision. Following the victory, it was announced that Jones's next opponent would be Dan Henderson.
May 19, 2012: DUI Arrest
Jon Jones was arrested on May 19, 2012, for driving under the influence (DUI) after crashing his Bentley in Binghamton, New York. He pleaded guilty to the charges, resulting in a fine, license suspension, and other penalties.
August 8, 2012: Jones Becomes First MMA Fighter with International Nike Sponsorship
On August 8, 2012, Jon Jones achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first mixed martial artist to secure an international sponsorship deal with Nike, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the sport.
September 22, 2012: UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort
Originally scheduled to face Lyoto Machida, Jon Jones instead defended his championship against Vitor Belfort on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152. Jones entered the bout as a heavy favorite.
2012: Jon Jones's Favorite Fight
In 2012, Jon Jones revealed that his fight against Quinton Jackson was his favorite up to that point.
April 27, 2013: UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen
On April 27, 2013, at UFC 159, Jon Jones fought Chael Sonnen, his opposing coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 17. Jones won the fight by TKO in the first round, tying Tito Ortiz for most consecutive title defenses in UFC light heavyweight history. However, he broke his left big toe during the fight.
September 21, 2013: UFC 165: Jones vs. Gustafsson
On September 21, 2013, Jon Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165, winning a hard-fought victory by unanimous decision. Both fighters were hospitalized due to injuries sustained, but were released without serious injury. The bout was praised for its intensity and was eventually inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing.
November 13, 2013: UFC 170 Fight Announcement
On November 13, 2013, it was announced that Jon Jones would fight Glover Teixeira at UFC 170, scheduled for February 22, 2014.
February 1, 2014: UFC 169 Fight Announcement
Initially, it was announced that Jon Jones would face Glover Teixeira at UFC 169 on February 1, 2014, however, this announcement turned out to be premature.
February 22, 2014: UFC 170 Fight Cancelation
The fight between Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira, initially scheduled for UFC 170 on February 22, 2014, was canceled.
March 15, 2014: UFC 171 Fight Rescheduled
The fight between Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira, previously planned for UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, was rescheduled.
April 2014: Jones Mocks Fans Over Eye Poke Criticism
In April 2014, Jon Jones faced criticism for eye pokes during his fights. In response, he posted a video on Instagram mocking fans who accused him of being a dirty fighter. The video sparked backlash, leading Jones to delete it.
April 26, 2014: UFC 172: Jones vs. Teixeira
On April 26, 2014, Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira finally fought at UFC 172. Jones emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision.
April 27, 2014: Potential Rematch with Gustafsson
Following his win at UFC 172, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones's next opponent would be Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch. The fight was initially considered for a stadium venue in Sweden.
May 24, 2014: Potential UFC 177 Match
On May 24, 2014, there was speculation about a rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson taking place on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177 in Las Vegas. However, this date and venue were not officially confirmed, as Gustafsson was the only one who had agreed to the match at that point.
June 5, 2014: UFC 178: Jones vs. Gustafsson Rematch Announced
On June 5, 2014, the UFC confirmed that a rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson would happen on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178.
August 4, 2014: Jones and Cormier Brawl at UFC 178 Media Event
Tensions escalated between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier during a promotional event for UFC 178 on August 4, 2014. A staredown turned physical, with both fighters engaging in a brief brawl that required intervention from security.
August 12, 2014: Jones Withdraws from UFC 178
On August 12, 2014, it was announced that Jon Jones had sustained a leg injury during training and would be unable to fight Daniel Cormier at UFC 178, as originally planned.
August 30, 2014: UFC 177 Match Unconfirmed
The potential rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 177 on August 30, 2014, remained unconfirmed.
September 23, 2014: Jones Fined and Sentenced to Community Service
Following the brawl with Cormier, the Nevada State Athletic Commission took disciplinary action against Jon Jones. On September 23, 2014, he was fined $50,000 and ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.
September 27, 2014: Gustafsson Withdraws from UFC 178
Alexander Gustafsson withdrew from his scheduled rematch against Jon Jones at UFC 178 on September 27, 2014, due to a torn meniscus.
December 3, 2014: Jon Jones Undergoes First Drug Test
On December 3, 2014, Jon Jones underwent his first drug test in relation to his upcoming UFC 182 fight.
December 16, 2014: Jones Signs Sponsorship Deal with Reebok
On December 16, 2014, Jon Jones added to his list of endorsements by signing a sponsorship deal with Reebok, further expanding his brand appeal and influence within the sports industry.
January 3, 2015: UFC 182: Jones vs. Cormier
On January 3, 2015, Jon Jones fought Daniel Cormier at UFC 182, winning the fight by unanimous decision. This victory marked the first time Cormier had been taken down in a fight. Jones's performance earned him his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award. However, it was later revealed that Jones had failed a drug test for cocaine one month before the event.
January 6, 2015: Jon Jones Fails Drug Test Before UFC 182
On January 6, 2015, Jon Jones was revealed to have failed a drug test due to benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, before his UFC 182 fight. Although not a banned substance out-of-competition, the news resulted in a fine and Jones admitting to a "really dumb decision."
January 2015: Cormier Wins Vacant Light Heavyweight Championship
Following Jon Jones's suspension from the UFC, Daniel Cormier, who had lost to Jones at UFC 182 in January 2015, replaced Jones and fought Anthony Johnson for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Cormier won the fight and became the new champion.
January 19, 2015: Jon Jones Addresses Failed Drug Test
On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones publicly addressed his failed drug test, denying cocaine addiction but admitting to a mistake in judgement.
April 27, 2015: Hit and Run Incident
On April 27, 2015, Jon Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was accused of running a red light and fleeing the scene after his rental car collided with two other vehicles, leaving behind an injured pregnant woman. Police found marijuana in the vehicle, and Jones faced felony charges for fleeing the scene and causing injury.
April 29, 2015: Reebok and MuscleTech Drop Jones's Sponsorships
In the wake of Jones's involvement in a hit-and-run incident, Reebok terminated their sponsorship agreement with him on April 29, 2015. MuscleTech followed suit a day later, severing ties with Jones due to the negative publicity surrounding the incident.
May 23, 2015: Jones Stripped of Title, Suspended from UFC
Jon Jones, scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 on May 23, 2015, was stripped of his belt and indefinitely suspended from the UFC. This disciplinary action was taken in response to Jones's involvement in a hit-and-run incident where he struck a pregnant woman with his car and subsequently fled the scene.
September 29, 2015: Guilty Plea in Hit and Run Case
On September 29, 2015, Jon Jones pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the April 2015 hit-and-run accident. He received a sentence of up to 18 months of supervised probation and was granted permission to travel for work.
October 23, 2015: Jon Jones Reinstated to the UFC
On October 23, 2015, after a period of suspension, Jon Jones was reinstated to the UFC's active roster, marking a pivotal point in his career.
2015: Jon Jones Stripped of UFC Light Heavyweight Title
Jon Jones's reign as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion came to an end in 2015 when he was stripped of the title.
2015: Jon Jones Involved in Controversies and Loses Title
Between 2015 and 2017, Jones faced multiple controversies, leading to the loss of his title three times due to disciplinary actions, starting with a hit-and-run charge in 2015.
April 23, 2016: Jones vs. Saint Preux at UFC 197
On April 23, 2016, Jon Jones fought Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 197, securing a unanimous decision victory. This fight was initially scheduled to be a rematch against Daniel Cormier, who withdrew due to injury.
July 6, 2016: USADA Flags Potential Doping Violation
On July 6, 2016, Jon Jones was flagged by USADA for a potential doping violation, casting a shadow over his career and leading to his removal from the UFC 200 rematch with Daniel Cormier.
July 8, 2016: Jon Jones Tests Positive for Banned Substances, Withdraws from UFC 200
On July 8, 2016, Jon Jones was pulled from his UFC 200 fight after a positive drug test revealed clomiphene and letrozole, banned substances, in his system. While maintaining his innocence and suggesting contaminated supplements, the results led to his withdrawal and a replacement fighter.
July 9, 2016: Scheduled Cormier Rematch at UFC 200 (Cancelled)
A highly anticipated rematch between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier was scheduled for July 9, 2016, at UFC 200. However, this fight was ultimately canceled due to Jones's USADA violation.
November 7, 2016: Jones Receives One-Year USADA Suspension
On November 7, 2016, Jon Jones was handed a one-year suspension by USADA, retroactive to July 7, as a consequence of the doping violation. This marked a significant setback in his career and resulted in the loss of his interim title.
December 1, 2016: Jones Reveals He Has Four Daughters
In an interview with Joe Rogan on December 1, 2016, Jon Jones shared personal details about his life, revealing that he is a father to four daughters.
December 14, 2016: Jones Submits Henderson at Submission Underground 2
On December 14, 2016, during his suspension from the UFC, Jon Jones competed in a grappling match against veteran Dan Henderson at Submission Underground 2, where he secured a victory via arm-triangle choke.
December 2016: Public Admission of Guilt
In December 2016, Jon Jones publicly admitted to fleeing the scene of the 2015 hit-and-run accident and acknowledged that he had not checked on the occupant of the other vehicle involved, marking a significant moment of accountability for his actions.
2016: Jon Jones Returns to UFC with Victory over Ovince Saint Preux
In 2016, Jon Jones marked his return to the UFC with a win against Ovince Saint Preux in a title bout.
2016: Jon Jones Wins Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Jon Jones secured the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2016.
July 29, 2017: Jones Reclaims Light Heavyweight Title at UFC 214
On July 29, 2017, at UFC 214, Jon Jones faced Daniel Cormier in a highly anticipated rematch. Jones emerged victorious with a knockout in the third round, reclaiming the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
August 22, 2017: Jon Jones Flagged for Potential Doping Violation
On August 22, 2017, Jon Jones faced another potential doping violation after testing positive for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid, from a sample taken on July 28, just before his UFC 214 fight. This resulted in a provisional suspension and cast a shadow over his recent victory.
2017: Passing of Jon Jones's Mother, Camille
Camille, Jon Jones's mother, passed away in 2017 at the age of 55 after battling diabetes.
2017: Jon Jones's Returns and Suspensions
Jon Jones's returns to UFC in 2016 and 2017 resulted in victories but were overshadowed by positive tests for banned substances and subsequent suspensions. The latter suspension was later overturned to a no contest.
2017: Jon Jones's Continued Drug Testing Saga
Throughout 2017, Jon Jones faced ongoing scrutiny and challenges related to drug testing. This period marked a tumultuous time in his career as he navigated accusations, appeals, and the impact on his fighting future.
September 2018: USADA Issues 15-Month Suspension
In September 2018, USADA announced a 15-month suspension for Jon Jones, reduced from a potential 48 months due to his cooperation in identifying other anti-doping offenses and his degree of fault.
October 10, 2018: Jones to Return at UFC 232
On October 10, 2018, the UFC announced Jon Jones's return to the Octagon, scheduling a rematch against Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 232.
October 28, 2018: Jon Jones Eligible to Fight Again; UFC 232 Moved Due to Drug Test Inconsistencies
On October 28, 2018, Jon Jones became eligible to fight again following his suspension. However, his UFC 232 fight against Alexander Gustafsson had to be moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles due to inconsistencies found in his drug test, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his career.
December 29, 2018: Jones Wins Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 232
On December 29, 2018, Jon Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch at UFC 232, securing a TKO victory in the third round to reclaim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
2018: Jon Jones Reclaims UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Jon Jones regained the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2018.
2018: Jon Jones Defeats Alexander Gustafsson to Reclaim Title
Jon Jones emerged victorious against Alexander Gustafsson in 2018, reclaiming the championship title after his suspension was lifted.
March 2, 2019: Jones Defeats Smith at UFC 235
On March 2, 2019, at UFC 235, Jon Jones defended his Light Heavyweight title against Anthony Smith. Despite a point deduction for an illegal knee, Jones maintained dominance throughout the fight and won by unanimous decision.
April 2019: Alleged Strip Club Incident
In April 2019, Jon Jones was accused of assaulting a cocktail waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The waitress alleged that Jones slapped her, placed her in a chokehold without consent, kissed her on the neck, and continued to touch her even after she asked him to stop. This incident led to battery charges against Jones.
July 6, 2019: Jones vs. Santos at UFC 239
On July 6, 2019, Jon Jones successfully defended his Light Heavyweight title against Thiago Santos in a closely contested match at UFC 239, winning via split decision.
July 21, 2019: Battery Charges
On July 21, 2019, Jon Jones faced battery charges for an incident that allegedly occurred in April 2019 at an Albuquerque strip club. A cocktail waitress accused him of slapping her, putting her in a chokehold, and kissing her against her will.
September 26, 2019: Plea Deal in Battery Case
Jon Jones pleaded no contest to battery charges stemming from the April 2019 strip club incident on September 26, 2019. He received a 90-day deferred sentence, requiring him to avoid legal trouble, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and stay away from the scene of the incident.
2019: Dana White Attempts to Overturn Jones-Hamill Result
In 2019, Dana White expressed his continued efforts to appeal to the Nevada State Athletic Commission to overturn the result of the Jones-Hamill bout to a no contest.
February 8, 2020: Controversial Victory Over Reyes at UFC 247
On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Jones's victory by unanimous decision sparked controversy, with a significant portion of media outlets scoring the fight in favor of Reyes. Despite the debate, Jones secured his 14th UFC title fight win, setting a new record.
February 2020: Targeting Heavyweight Fight with Ngannou
Following his win at UFC 247, Jon Jones set his sights on a move to the Heavyweight division, specifically targeting a fight against top contender Francis Ngannou. This move marked a significant shift in Jones's career aspirations.
March 8, 2020: UFC 165: Jones vs. Gustafsson inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
On March 8, 2020, it was announced that the fight between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing on July 9th.
March 26, 2020: Arrest for Aggravated DWI and Other Charges
Jon Jones was arrested in Albuquerque on March 26, 2020, on charges of aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container, and driving without proof of insurance. Police reportedly found Jones intoxicated in his vehicle after hearing a gunshot, and a subsequent search revealed a handgun and alcohol.
May 2020: Pay Dispute with UFC
In May 2020, Jon Jones engaged in a public dispute with the UFC over fighter compensation, particularly regarding a potential super fight against Francis Ngannou. Jones's stance on his worth and desire for higher pay led to tensions with the organization.
August 15, 2020: Jones Relinquishes Light Heavyweight Title
On August 15, 2020, after a public disagreement with the UFC over fighter pay, Jon Jones announced his decision to relinquish the Light Heavyweight Championship, signaling his intention to move up to the Heavyweight division.
2020: Jon Jones Vacates UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Jon Jones made the decision to relinquish the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2020.
2020: Jon Jones Vacates Title and Takes Hiatus from MMA
In 2020, Jon Jones decided to vacate his title and step away from MMA for three years.
September 24, 2021: Domestic Incident and Arrest
On September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas following a domestic incident involving his fiancée. He was charged with domestic battery and tampering with a police vehicle after allegedly damaging a police car. Jones's fiancée claimed he pulled her hair, but maintained that any blood found on her was from chapped lips.
February 23, 2022: Jones Announces Separation from Fiancée
On February 23, 2022, Jon Jones took to Twitter to announce that he and his fiancée, Jessie, had separated approximately two months prior.
March 4, 2023: Jones Wins Heavyweight Title at UFC 285
On March 4, 2023, after a three-year hiatus, Jon Jones made his highly anticipated Heavyweight debut at UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane. He won the fight via guillotine choke in the first round, claiming the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship.
November 11, 2023: Jones Withdraws from UFC 295 Due to Injury
Jon Jones was scheduled to defend his Heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. However, he was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a pectoral tendon injury, postponing the highly anticipated matchup.
2023: Jon Jones Wins UFC Heavyweight Championship
Jon Jones made a triumphant return to MMA in 2023, securing the UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Ciryl Gane.
March 30, 2024: Alleged Assault on Drug-Testing Agent
On March 30, 2024, a drug-testing agent from Drug Free Sport, Crystal Martinez, filed a police report accusing Jon Jones of assault and threats against her. The incident allegedly occurred during a urine sample collection at Jones's home, part of the UFC's anti-doping program.
April 7, 2024: Summons Issued for Assault and Interference
On April 7, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department issued Jon Jones a summons on charges of assault and interference with communications. This legal action stemmed from the alleged assault and threats made against a drug-testing agent in March 2024.
July 2, 2024: Jon Jones Ranked #3 in UFC Men's Pound-for-Pound Rankings
As of July 2, 2024, Jon Jones is ranked #3 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.