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 former American professional mixed martial artist, celebrated as one of the greatest of all time. He achieved significant success in the UFC, holding the Light Heavyweight Championship twice (2011-2015, 2018-2020) and the Heavyweight Championship (2023-2025). He also held the interim Light Heavyweight title in 2016. His career spanned from 2008 to 2025.

Sections (5)

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

2004: Wrestling Championship

In 2004, Jon Jones won the Northeast Junior Greco‑Roman Regional Championship at 189-pounds and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. He also won the STAC Wrestling Championship and placed third at the NYSPHSAA Division I state championships that year.

2005: State Title Captured

In 2005, Jon Jones captured the NYSPHSAA Division I state title at 189-pounds and was named an NHSCA Senior All‑American.

March 21, 2010: Victory and Award at UFC Live

On March 21, 2010, Jon Jones defeated Brandon Vera by TKO at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones, earning the "Knockout of the Night" award.

February 5, 2011: Victory Over Ryan Bader

On February 5, 2011, Jon Jones defeated Ryan Bader via submission at UFC 126, earning the "Submission of the Night" bonus.

March 19, 2011: Light Heavyweight Championship Win

On March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, Jon Jones defeated Maurício "Shogun" Rua by TKO to become the youngest UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

September 24, 2011: Victory Over Quinton Jackson

On September 24, 2011, Jon Jones defeated Quinton Jackson via submission at UFC 135, marking the first time Jackson had been submitted in the UFC.

December 10, 2011: Title Defense at UFC 140

On December 10, 2011, at UFC 140, Jon Jones successfully defended his light heavyweight title by defeating Lyoto Machida via technical submission.

2011: Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2011, Jonathan Dwight Jones became the Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC.

April 21, 2012: Victory Over Rashad Evans

On April 21, 2012, Jon Jones defeated Rashad Evans at UFC 145 by unanimous decision after a long-standing rivalry.

September 22, 2012: Title Defense Against Vitor Belfort

On September 22, 2012, Jon Jones defended the championship against Vitor Belfort at UFC 152 after Lyoto Machida rejected the fight due to a lack of training time.

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: Fight against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165

On September 21, 2013, Jon Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165, winning via unanimous decision despite a cut above his eye in the first round. Both fighters were hospitalized for lacerations and facial swelling but released without serious injuries. The bout was awarded Fight of the Night and received rave reviews, later being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing.

April 26, 2014: Jones Defeats Teixeira at UFC 172

On April 26, 2014, Jon Jones fought Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 and won the bout via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, and 50–45).

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), earning his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award. However, he later failed a drug test for cocaine one month prior.

April 23, 2016: Jones Defeats Saint Preux at UFC 197

On April 23, 2016, Jon Jones defeated Ovince Saint Preux by unanimous decision (50–44, 50–45, and 50–45) at UFC 197, after Cormier pulled out of the fight due to a foot injury.

2016: Victorious Return to UFC

In 2016, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and won a title bout against Ovince Saint Preux, though this victory was later impacted by controversies.

2016: Interim Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2016, Jonathan Dwight Jones became the interim Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC.

July 29, 2017: Jones Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 214

On July 29, 2017, Jon Jones defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, regaining the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout. He earned a Performance of the Night bonus, praised Cormier, and challenged Brock Lesnar to a fight.

December 29, 2018: Jones Wins UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 232

On December 29, 2018, Jon Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson by technical knockout to win the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 232.

2018: Championship Reclaimed

In 2018, Jon Jones reclaimed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Alexander Gustafsson after his suspension was lifted.

2018: Second Light Heavyweight Championship Reign

In 2018, Jonathan Dwight Jones started his second reign as the Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC.

March 2, 2019: Jones Defeats Anthony Smith at UFC 235

On March 2, 2019, Jon Jones faced Anthony Smith at UFC 235, winning via unanimous decision despite a point deduction for an illegal knee.

July 6, 2019: Jones Defeats Thiago Santos at UFC 239

On July 6, 2019, Jon Jones faced Thiago Santos at UFC 239, winning via split decision and defending his title.

February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Dominick Reyes at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, winning via controversial unanimous decision and setting a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.

March 8, 2020: UFC Hall of Fame Induction Announcement

On March 8, 2020, it was announced that the September 21, 2013 fight between Jones and Gustafsson would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing on July 9.

March 4, 2023: Jones Wins UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285

On March 4, 2023, Jon Jones faced Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285, winning via guillotine choke submission in the first round and earning the Performance of the Night bonus award.

2023: Heavyweight Title Win

In 2023, Jon Jones returned to MMA after three years and won the UFC Heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.

November 16, 2024: Jones vs. Miocic rescheduled to UFC 309

On November 16, 2024, the bout between Jon Jones and Miocic was rescheduled to UFC 309 where he won the fight by technical knockout via a spinning back kick followed by punches in the third round. With this twelfth title defense, Jones broke the record for most title defenses in UFC history and earned another Performance of the Night award.