Jon Jones's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Jon Jones. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2004: Wrestling Achievements

In 2004, Jon Jones won the Northeast Junior Greco‑Roman Regional Championship, the STAC Wrestling Championship, and placed third at the New York State Division I Championships.

2005: New York State Division I Title

In 2005, Jon Jones captured the New York State Division I title at 189 lb and was named an NHSCA Senior All‑American.

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.

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.

October 2011: Jones 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.

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 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.

2016: Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2016, Jon Jones became the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2023: UFC Heavyweight Champion

In 2023, Jon Jones became the UFC Heavyweight Champion.

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.