History of Jon Jones in Timeline
Jon Jones is a highly accomplished American mixed martial artist, currently the UFC Heavyweight Champion. He previously held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship twice and an interim title. Since turning professional in 2008, Jones has achieved recognition as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history, holding a high ranking in the UFC's pound-for-pound list.
July 19, 1987: Birth of Jonathan Dwight Jones
On July 19, 1987, Jonathan Dwight Jones, later known as Jon Jones, was born. He is an American professional mixed martial artist and the current UFC Heavyweight Champion.
January 2008: Northeastern Grappler's Challenge
In January 2008, Jon Jones participated in the Northeastern Grappler's Challenge and submitted Doug Fournet twice 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 after accepting the fight on two weeks' notice.
2008: Professional MMA Debut
In 2008, Jon Jones started his professional MMA career.
January 31, 2009: Second UFC Match
On January 31, 2009, Jon Jones fought Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94, securing multiple takedowns and winning by unanimous decision despite appearing fatigued in the third round.
July 11, 2009: Fight Against Jake O'Brien
On July 11, 2009, at UFC 100, Jon Jones fought Jake O'Brien and won by submission via a modified guillotine choke.
September 2009: New UFC Contract
In September 2009, Jon Jones was rewarded for his victories by signing a new, four-fight contract with the UFC.
December 5, 2009: Fight Against Matt Hamill
On December 5, 2009, Jon Jones fought Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. Jones dominated Hamill but was disqualified for using illegal 12–6 elbows, marking the first time Nevada used its instant replay rule to review the elbows.
2009: Training at Jackson Wink MMA gym since 2009
Since 2009 Jon Jones had been training at Jackson Wink MMA gym.
March 21, 2010: Fight Against Brandon Vera
On March 21, 2010, at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones, Jon Jones defeated Brandon Vera by TKO in the first round, breaking Vera's face in three places, and won the "Knockout of the Night" award.
August 1, 2010: Fight Against 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 stated Jones had catapulted himself into the top eight in the world.
February 5, 2011: Fight 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 and was awarded the "Submission of the Night" bonus, handing Bader his first professional loss.
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, becoming the youngest ever UFC champion after replacing the injured Rashad Evans.
August 6, 2011: Injury Sidelines Jones
On August 6, 2011, Jon Jones was expected to defend his title against Rashad Evans at UFC 133, but Jones was sidelined with a hand injury and opted for rest and rehabilitation.
September 24, 2011: Title Defense Against Quinton Jackson
On September 24, 2011, at UFC 135, Jon Jones defended his title against Quinton Jackson, defeating him via rear naked choke submission in the 4th round, becoming the first UFC fighter to submit Jackson.
December 10, 2011: Title Defense Against Lyoto Machida
On December 10, 2011, at UFC 140, Jon Jones successfully defended the light heavyweight title against Lyoto Machida, stopping him at 4:26 of the second round via guillotine choke technical submission, the first submission loss in Machida's career.
2011: UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
In 2011, Jon Jones became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
April 21, 2012: Victory Over Rashad Evans
On April 21, 2012, at UFC 145, Jon Jones defeated his arch rival and former teammate Rashad Evans via unanimous decision.
May 19, 2012: Arrested for driving under the influence
In the early morning of May 19, 2012, Jon Jones drove his Bentley Continental GT into a pole in Binghamton, New York, and was arrested for driving under the influence (DWI). He pleaded guilty to DUI charges and faced fines, license suspension, and mandatory classes.
August 8, 2012: 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: UFC 151 Main Event
In 2012, Jon Jones and Dan Henderson were 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: Defeat of Chael Sonnen at UFC 159
On April 27, 2013, Jon Jones defeated Chael Sonnen via TKO in the first round at UFC 159, despite displaying a lack of interest in the bout and breaking his toe during the fight. With this win, 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 fought Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 and won via unanimous decision in a back-and-forth fight. The match was considered one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
November 13, 2013: UFC 170 Fight Announcement
On November 13, 2013, it was announced that Jon Jones would fight Glover Teixeira at UFC 170, which was scheduled for February 22, 2014.
February 1, 2014: UFC 169 Fight Announcement
On February 1, 2014, Jon Jones was expected to face Glover Teixeira at UFC 169, but the fight announcement was deemed premature.
February 22, 2014: UFC 170 Fight Removal
On February 22, 2014, the scheduled fight between Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira at UFC 170 was removed from the card.
March 15, 2014: UFC 171 Fight Postponement
On March 15, 2014, the scheduled fight between Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira was postponed again.
April 2014: Instagram post mocking eye-poking criticism
In April 2014, Jon Jones responded to criticism about eye-poking by releasing a video on Instagram where he mocked fans, simulating crying, and calling himself the "Dirtiest fighter in MMA," but the post was later deleted after facing backlash.
April 26, 2014: Jones vs. Teixeira at UFC 172
On April 26, 2014, Jon Jones fought Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 and won via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, and 50–45).
April 27, 2014: Potential Rematch Against Gustafsson
On April 27, 2014, Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones would have a rematch against Alexander Gustafsson, possibly in a stadium in Sweden on pay-per-view.
May 24, 2014: Possible UFC 177 Rematch Date
On May 24, 2014, it was indicated that the rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson would take place in Las Vegas on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177, but the agreement was not official.
June 5, 2014: Jones vs. Gustafsson Rematch Confirmed
On June 5, 2014, the UFC confirmed that the Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson rematch would take place on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178.
August 4, 2014: Scuffle with Daniel Cormier at UFC 178 promotional event
On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier engaged in a physical altercation during a staredown, resulting in both fighters being restrained. The Nevada State Athletic Commission requested video of the incident.
August 12, 2014: Jones Sustains Leg Injury, Withdraws
On August 12, 2014, it was announced that Jon Jones sustained a leg injury in training, causing him to withdraw from the fight, which was then rescheduled.
August 30, 2014: Potential Date for Jones vs. Gustafsson Rematch
August 30, 2014, was a potential date for the rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 177 in Las Vegas, but the fight was not yet official.
September 23, 2014: Fine and Community Service for Altercation
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 involvement in an altercation with Daniel Cormier. Jones also falsely claimed to have lost a six-figure endorsement deal with Nike during the disciplinary hearing.
September 27, 2014: Gustafsson Pulls Out of Fight
On September 27, 2014, Alexander Gustafsson had to pull out of the fight against Jon Jones due to a torn meniscus, and Jones was expected to face Daniel Cormier as a replacement.
December 3, 2014: Random drug test administered
On December 3, 2014, Jon Jones was randomly tested for drugs, with the results showing a positive test for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, which was not banned out-of-competition.
December 16, 2014: 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 defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46). He earned his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award, and it was later revealed he failed a drug test one month prior, testing positive for cocaine.
January 6, 2015: Failed drug test announced
On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jon Jones failed a drug test prior to UFC 182, testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite. However, because it was not banned out-of-competition, he was allowed to participate in the fight.
January 2015: Cormier Replaces Jones
In January 2015, Daniel Cormier replaced Jon Jones and went on to defeat Anthony Johnson to take the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
January 19, 2015: Jones interviewed after failed drug test
On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones was interviewed for the first time since his failed drug test, claiming he was not a cocaine addict and had made a "really dumb decision."
April 27, 2015: Police seek Jones in connection with hit and run
On April 27, 2015, police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sought Jon Jones in connection with a hit-and-run incident from the previous morning, where he allegedly ran a red light and crashed his rental car, fleeing the scene on foot. The charges were elevated to a felony due to injuries to a pregnant woman in another vehicle and fleeing the scene. A pipe with marijuana was found in the car.
April 29, 2015: Reebok Terminates Sponsorship
On April 29, 2015, Reebok terminated their sponsorship following Jon Jones's involvement in a hit-and-run incident. He also lost his sponsorship with MuscleTech.
May 23, 2015: Title Defense Against Anthony Johnson
May 23, 2015, was the date Jon Jones was expected to defend his title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187.
September 29, 2015: Jones pleads guilty to leaving the scene of an accident
On September 29, 2015, Jon Jones pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, receiving a sentence of up to 18 months of supervised probation. He was authorized to travel for work and completed 72 charity or youth outreach appearances, avoiding a felony charge.
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 after a suspension.
2015: Stripped of Title and Removed from Rankings
In 2015, Jon Jones was stripped of his title and removed from the official UFC rankings after being arrested on felony hit-and-run charges.
2015: End of First Light Heavyweight Title Reign
In 2015, Jon Jones's first reign as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion came to an end.
April 23, 2016: Cormier Pulls Out of UFC 197
On April 23, 2016, the rematch between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier was expected to take place at UFC 197, but Cormier pulled out due to injury, and Ovince Saint Preux replaced him. Jones defeated Saint Preux by unanimous decision (50–44, 50–45, and 50–45).
July 6, 2016: Jones Removed from UFC 200
On July 6, 2016, Jon Jones was removed from the bout at UFC 200 by USADA on June 16 after a potential doping violation.
July 8, 2016: Jones tests positive for banned substances
On July 8, 2016, a urine sample from Jon Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, leading to his withdrawal from UFC 200. Jones maintained his innocence, claiming a contaminated product, believed to be Cialis, was the cause.
July 9, 2016: Rescheduled Rematch with Cormier
On July 9, 2016, the rematch with Daniel Cormier was rescheduled to take place at UFC 200.
October 2016: NAGA No-Gi Grappling Tournament
In October 2016, Jon Jones took part in the NAGA no-gi grappling tournament, defeating Don Daubert with a guillotine choke and Rich O’Toole with a leg-in guillotine neck crank shoulder choke, which Jones dubbed "The Williams Whirl."
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. Two days later, he was stripped of his interim title.
December 1, 2016: Jones Talks About His Daughters
On December 1, 2016, Jon Jones stated in an interview with Joe Rogan that he has four daughters (aged 9, 8, 6 and 3).
December 10, 2016: Submission Underground 2 Tournament
On December 10, 2016, Jon Jones fought retired MMA veteran Dan Henderson in a grappling match for the Submission Underground 2 tournament and submitted Henderson with an arm-triangle choke. Afterward, Jones expressed interest in competing against Chael Sonnen.
December 2016: Jones admits to fleeing accident scene
In December 2016, Jon Jones admitted in an interview that he had run from the scene of the 2015 accident and had not checked on the occupant of the other vehicle, taking responsibility for his actions.
2016: Victorious Return to UFC
In 2016, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and emerged victorious in a title bout against Ovince Saint Preux.
2016: Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
In 2016, Jon Jones was the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
July 29, 2017: Jones Defeats Cormier at UFC 214
On July 29, 2017, Jon Jones fought Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 and won the fight, re-capturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout in the third round. He was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus and challenged Brock Lesnar to a fight.
August 22, 2017: Potential doping violation announced
On August 22, 2017, it was announced that Jon Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA, stemming from a test sample collected on July 28, one day before his rematch against Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. He tested positive for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid.
2017: Death of Mother, Camille
In 2017, Jon Jones's mother, Camille, passed away at the age of 55 after a long battle with diabetes.
2017: Positive Test and Suspension
In 2017, after winning a title bout against Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones tested positive for banned substances and received a suspension; the victory was later reversed to a no contest.
2017: Turinabol Detection
In 2017, an M3 metabolite of turinabol was detected in Jon Jones' system, leading to later discussions about a "pulsing effect".
2017: Unified Rules Amended
In 2017, the Unified Rules of MMA were amended to prohibit the extension of a fighter's fingers towards the eyes of an opponent, following criticism of Jon Jones's tendency to poke opponents in the eyes.
September 2018: Jones Receives 15-Month Suspension
In September 2018, USADA announced that Jon Jones would serve a suspension of 15 months, reduced from a potential 48 months due to his cooperation and degree of fault.
October 10, 2018: Jones Returns at 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
On October 28, 2018, Jon Jones became eligible to fight again after a period of ineligibility.
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 to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
2018: Second UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
In 2018, Jon Jones regained the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
2018: Reclaimed Championship
In 2018, after his suspension was lifted, Jon Jones reclaimed the championship by defeating Alexander Gustafsson.
March 2, 2019: Jones Defends Title Against Anthony Smith at UFC 235
On March 2, 2019, Jon Jones faced Anthony Smith at UFC 235. Jones dominated the fight but was deducted two points for an illegal knee. He won via unanimous decision with 48–44 on all three judges' scorecards.
April 2019: Alleged incident with cocktail waitress
In April 2019, Jon Jones was involved in an alleged incident with a cocktail waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The waitress claimed Jones slapped, choked, kissed her, and touched her against her will.
July 6, 2019: Jones Defeats Thiago 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 (48–47, 47–48, and 48–47), defending his title for the second time.
July 21, 2019: Charged with battery for alleged incident
On July 21, 2019, Jon Jones was reported to have been charged with battery for an alleged incident in April 2019 involving a cocktail waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
September 26, 2019: Jones pleads no contest to battery charges
On September 26, 2019, Jon Jones pleaded no contest to battery charges stemming from an alleged incident in April 2019 with a cocktail waitress. He received a 90-day deferred sentence, requiring him to avoid arrest, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and not return to the scene, along with paying court fees.
December 2019: Donation to Homeless People
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 DQ loss
In 2019, UFC president Dana White stated he was still attempting to have the result of Jon Jones's December 5, 2009 fight overturned to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Dominick Reyes at UFC 247
On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 and won the fight via controversial unanimous decision (48–47, 48–47, and 49–46). Jones set a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.
February 2020: Wilder's Earnings Reference
In February 2020, Deontay Wilder reportedly earned $25–30 million in his rematch with Tyson Fury, a sum Jon Jones referenced during a pay dispute with Dana White in May 2020.
March 8, 2020: UFC Hall of Fame Induction
On March 8, 2020, it was announced that Jon Jones's fight against Alexander Gustafsson on September 21, 2013, would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing on July 9.
March 26, 2020: Arrested for DWI, negligent use of a firearm, and other charges
On March 26, 2020, Jon Jones was arrested in Albuquerque for aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container, and driving without proof of insurance. He failed a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test, and police found a partially empty bottle of Recuerdo Mezcal and a handgun in his vehicle.
May 2020: Donation to The Food Depot
In May 2020, Jon Jones donated $25,000 to The Food Depot, an organization dedicated to combat hunger and feed those in need—enough to fund 100,000 meals.
May 2020: Conflict with Dana White Over Pay
In May 2020, after conflict with UFC President Dana White over pay, Jon Jones said he had vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and wanted "Deontay Wilder money."
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.
December 2020: Gift Vouchers for Shoppers
In December 2020, Jon Jones provided 50 gift vouchers worth $500 each for shoppers through his foundation, the C.A.R.E. Project.
2020: Vacated Title
In 2020, Jon Jones voluntarily vacated the title and took a three-year hiatus from MMA.
2020: End of Second Light Heavyweight Title Reign
In 2020, Jon Jones's second reign as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion ended.
September 24, 2021: Arrest for domestic incident and tampering with a vehicle
On September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas following a domestic incident with his fiancée, Jessie Moses. He was charged with domestic battery and felony tampering with a police vehicle after allegedly headbutting the patrol vehicle. His bail was set at $16,000.
December 2021: Walmart Shopping Spree for Families
In December 2021, Jon Jones provided a $250 Walmart shopping spree for each of 100 families in Albuquerque through his foundation, the C.A.R.E. Project.
February 23, 2022: Fiancée Jessie Left Jones
On February 23, 2022, Jon Jones announced via Twitter that his fiancée Jessie had left him around two months prior.
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 and won via a guillotine choke submission in the first round. He earned 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 scheduled to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 but was forced to pull out due to a torn pectoral tendon.
2023: Won UFC Heavyweight Championship
In 2023, Jon Jones returned to MMA and won the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Ciryl Gane, becoming a two-division champion.
March 30, 2024: Police report filed for alleged assault
On March 30, 2024, a police report was filed by Crystal Martinez, a drug-testing agent, alleging that Jon Jones assaulted and threatened her during a urine sample collection for 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 citing assault and interference with communications offenses related to the alleged incident with the drug-testing agent, Crystal Martinez.
June 2024: Jones Granted Custody of Son
In June 2024, Jones announced that he had been granted 50/50 custody over his son, marking the first time he indicated having a son.
July 2024: Jones pleads not guilty to misdemeanor charges
In July 2024, Jon Jones pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault and interference with communications related to the alleged incident with the drug-testing agent.
October 29, 2024: Agreement to attend anger management classes
On October 29, 2024, Jon Jones agreed to attend four hours of anger management classes to resolve charges related to the alleged incident with the drug-testing agent. This agreement aimed to avoid further legal repercussions.
November 16, 2024: Jones Wins against Miocic at UFC 309
On November 16, 2024, Jon Jones fought and won against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 by technical knockout. This twelfth title defense broke the record for most title defenses in UFC history. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.
November 19, 2024: UFC Pound-for-Pound Ranking
As of November 19, 2024, Jon Jones is ranked #2 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.
January 2025: Trump Inauguration Invitation
In January 2025, President Donald Trump extended a personal invitation to Jon Jones for his inauguration, an event Jones attended.
February 2025: Partnership 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 through price transparency.
March 2025: Co-Owner of "Dirty Boxing Championship"
In March 2025, it was announced that Jon Jones is a co-owner of "Dirty Boxing Championship".
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