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Jon “Bones” Jones is one of the greatest fighters to ever step into the cage. With several arrests and legal issues, he is also one of the most troubling fighters of all time. He’s spent most of his professional career in the limelight, which allowed the audience to see his growth in front of their eyes. Jones’ legacy has become an inspiration for new generations of MMA fighters. Feel free to check betting odds here if you are planning to predict the result of his upcoming fight. Meanwhile, take a look at the most defining moments in the life of Jon “Bones” Jones.
1. He Started His Pro MMA Career at the Age of 20
Jon Jones made his professional debut in April 2008. It took him seconds to execute a powerful suplex that immediately caught public attention. Unlike other fighters who had to develop their skills, Jones was just waiting for the right opportunity to show his talent. His rise to the pedestal was probably the fastest in UFC history.
2. He Reached the UFC in Only Four Months
Jones’ progression became a phenomenon. It took him four months to become a professional fighter by compiling a 6–0 record and earning a UFC contract. He went from fighting in small venues to large arenas under the brightest lights. But success didn’t make him blind. He continued working on his skills to reach new heights.
3. He Was an Underdog in His UFC Debut
Despite his early success, Jones entered his debut fight against Andre Gusmão as an absolute underdog. The odds showed skepticism about his experience, not his talent. Over three rounds, Jones dominated Gusmão, instantly proving his talent. That performance built his image as a fighter who rises with the level of competition.
4. His Nickname “Bones” Came from Football
Jones used to be a standout high school football player, lining up as a defensive lineman. His unusually lean frame earned him the nickname “Bones”. The name stuck with him, eventually reflecting his fighting style. Jones is definitely hard to deal with.
5. He Became the Youngest UFC Champion Ever
In 2011, Jones had a legendary fight against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. At the age of 23, he managed to win the UFC light heavyweight title. The victory made him the youngest champion in UFC history. His unique record remains unbeaten to this day. Jones didn’t just win. He managed to dominate a former champion with a long record of achievements.
6. He Ran Through a Murderers’ Row of Champions
Since his debut, Jones has run through a murderer’s row of fighters to receive UFC gold. He managed to defeat Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, and Vitor Belfort. Unlike many other champions, Jones is not going to be remembered by one particular victory. He had the whole series of amazing wins.
7. His Only “Loss” Was a Disqualification
Jones has one loss on his record. In 2009, he received a disqualification against Matt Hamill for illegal 12-6 elbows. Unfortunately, this happened in a fight that could have been won by Jones. It remains the biggest blemish on his résumé, which still sparks frequent debates.
8. The UFC Tried to Erase Hamill’s Loss
Jon Jones admits DQ loss to Matt Hamill caused a huge disappointment. Even the UFC itself tried to overturn the result. The organization appealed to athletic commissions, arguing that the result caused harm to Jones’ career. Those efforts continued until 2021. The problem hasn’t been solved to this day.
9. He Once Stopped a Robbery on Fight Day
Early in his career, Jones was viewed as a role model for young people. On the day he fought Shogun Rua, he chased down and restrained a man who had robbed an elderly couple. It’s a story that contrasts with later controversies. It also shows how public perception of Jones has changed over time.
10. He Was the First Fighter Sponsored by Nike
Jones’ performance made him an attractive candidate for marketing campaigns. Many brands wanted to see his face in their ads. Jones eventually became the first MMA fighter to sign a global deal with Nike. At the time, MMA was still fighting for mainstream legitimacy. The deal brought the whole discipline to a totally new level.
11. He Nearly Lost a Title Because of a Toe Injury
Shortly after the fight against Chael Sonnen, Jones suffered a “compound fracture”. His dislocated toe was popped back into place in the cage. But he had to remove all the ligaments on the right side of the toe. Jones finished Sonnen in round one. If he didn’t, doctors might have stopped the fight, potentially costing him the title.
12. His Fighting Style Changed from Chaotic to Calculated
Early in his career, Jones showed more creativity while keeping the fight unpredictable until the last minutes. He threw spinning elbows, flying knees, and unconventional strikes. Over time, his style became more strategic, with the main focus on control and point accumulation.
13. He Is the Only Champion Stripped Multiple Times
Jones caused a lot of problems himself. He failed multiple drug tests and caused legal issues, which made him lose a heavyweight title three times. These interruptions had a negative impact on his legacy.
14. A Superfight with Brock Lesnar Nearly Happened
After defeating Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, Jones called out Brock Lesnar. This became one of the most memorable moments in UFC history. The potential matchup caught huge public attention. But it didn’t mean to happen once Jones tested positive for banned substances.
15. He’s Almost Never Lost on the Scorecards
Across his entire career, Jones almost never lost on the scorecards. The only case took place during the fight against Thiago Santos. Fans are discussing his win on scorecards against Dominick Reyes or Alexander Gustafsson. But the general statistics show Jones’ consistency.