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 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

2004: Wrestling Achievements in 2004

In 2004, Jon Jones, as a junior, 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.

2005: NYSPHSAA Division I State Title

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

January 2008: Participation in Northeastern Grappler's Challenge

In January 2008, Jon Jones participated in the Northeastern Grappler's Challenge in Ithaca, New York. Jones competed in two matches, both against Doug Fournet, whom Jones submitted both times with a 'Kimura'.

August 9, 2008: UFC Debut Against André Gusmão

On August 9, 2008, Jon Jones made his UFC debut against André Gusmão at UFC 87, winning via unanimous decision after accepting the fight on two weeks' notice as a replacement.

January 31, 2009: Victory over Stephan Bonnar

On January 31, 2009, Jon Jones fought against veteran Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94, securing a victory via unanimous decision and continuing his rise in the UFC.

July 11, 2009: Victory Over Jake O'Brien

On July 11, 2009, Jon Jones won his fight against Jake O'Brien at UFC 100 via submission, showcasing his growing skill set in the sport.

March 21, 2010: Victory Against Brandon Vera

On March 21, 2010, Jon Jones defeated Brandon Vera by TKO at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones. He also won the "Knockout of the Night" award after breaking Vera's face in three places.

August 1, 2010: TKO Victory Over 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 praised Jones and hinted at a significant step up in competition.

February 5, 2011: Victory 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, handing Bader his first professional loss. Jones was awarded the "Submission of the Night" bonus.

March 19, 2011: UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

On March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, Jon Jones defeated Maurício "Shogun" Rua by TKO in the third round, becoming the youngest ever UFC champion.

September 24, 2011: Victory Against Quinton Jackson

On September 24, 2011, at UFC 135, Jon Jones made his first title defense against Quinton Jackson, defeating him via rear naked choke submission in the 4th round. He also became 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 his light heavyweight title against Lyoto Machida, stopping him at 4:26 of the second round via guillotine choke technical submission. This marked the first submission loss in Machida's career.

2011: First Light Heavyweight Championship

In 2011, Jon Jones won the Light Heavyweight Championship in the UFC for the first time, marking a significant milestone in his career.

April 21, 2012: Victory Against Rashad Evans

On April 21, 2012, at UFC 145, Jon Jones faced his arch-rival and former teammate Rashad Evans, winning via unanimous decision. Following the fight, a bout with Dan Henderson was planned.

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.

April 27, 2013: Victory over Chael Sonnen at UFC 159

On April 27, 2013, Jon Jones defeated Chael Sonnen via TKO in the first round at UFC 159. 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 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.

April 26, 2014: Jones defeats Teixeira at UFC 172

On April 26, 2014, Jon Jones fought Glover Teixeira at UFC 172. Jones 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 fought Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 and won by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46). He also became the first person to take Cormier down, scoring three takedowns. Jones earned his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award.

October 2016: Participation in NAGA no-gi grappling tournament

In October 2016, after being called out by some MMA fans at the Europa Games expo, Jon Jones decided to take part in the NAGA no-gi grappling tournament, winning both of his matches with guillotines.

December 10, 2016: Jones wins grappling match against Dan Henderson

On December 10, 2016, Jon Jones fought retired MMA veteran Dan Henderson in a grappling match for the Submission Underground 2 tournament. Jones submitted Henderson with an arm-triangle choke six minutes into the bout.

2016: Interim Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2016, Jon Jones became the interim Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC, a temporary title in the division.

2016: Victory Against Ovince Saint Preux

In 2016, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and emerged victorious in a title bout against Ovince Saint Preux; however, this win was later affected by controversies.

July 29, 2017: Jones wins and then loses Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 214

On July 29, 2017, Jon Jones fought Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, winning the fight and recapturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout in the third round. Jones was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus. However, the result was later overturned due to a doping violation.

December 29, 2018: Jones Defeats Gustafsson at UFC 232

On December 29, 2018, Jon Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson by technical knockout in the third round at UFC 232, winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

2018: Second Light Heavyweight Championship

In 2018, Jon Jones regained the Light Heavyweight Championship in the UFC, marking his second reign in the division.

2018: Championship Reclaimed

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

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.

July 6, 2019: Jones Defeats 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, defending his title for the second time.

February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Reyes at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, winning by controversial unanimous decision. With this win, Jones set a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.

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

On March 4, 2023, after over three years away from the sport, Jon Jones faced Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285. He won the bout via guillotine choke submission in the first round and earned the Performance of the Night bonus award.

2023: Heavyweight Championship

In 2023, Jon Jones became the Heavyweight Champion in the UFC, adding another title to his accomplishments.

November 16, 2024: Jones defeats Miocic at UFC 309 and breaks the record for most title defenses in UFC history

On November 16, 2024, Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic fought at UFC 309, and Jones 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. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.