Jon “Bones” Jones (Jonathan Dwight Jones, b. July 19, 1987, Rochester NY) is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever. Here’s a comprehensive look at his career:
Bio & Physical Profile
- Height/Reach: 6′4″ (193 cm), Reach 84½″ (215 cm)
- Weight Classes: Light Heavyweight (2008–2020), Heavyweight (2023–2025)
- Martial Arts Base: Wrestling, Muay Thai, orthodox stance; Black belt Gaidojutsu, Purple belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu
MMA Record
- Pro MMA: 28–1 (1 NC)
- Wins by KO/TKO: 11 | Submissions: 7 | Decisions: 10
- Only “loss”: 2009 disqualification loss vs. Matt Hamill (illegal elbow)
Championship Journey
- Light Heavyweight Champion:
- First won at UFC 128 versus Mauricio Rua in 2011 at age 23 (youngest UFC champ ever)
- Held title through 2015, regaining it in 2018–2020 after a hiatus.
- Holds records for most LH title defences and most title fights (17 across divisions)
- Heavyweight Champion:
- Debuted in March 2023 at UFC 285, defeating Ciryl Gane via first-round guillotine choke)
- Unified title by KO’ing Stipe Miocic in Nov 2024 at UFC 309 using a spinning body kick
Recent News & Current Status
- Unbeaten since 2009: Now holds a 13-fight win streak
- Retirement rumor: Sources report Jon Jones has officially retired in June 2025, vacating the heavyweight title and elevating Tom Aspinall to undisputed champion status
- Jones teases comeback: Despite retirement reports, he posted in May 2025 that “the story’s still being written,” suggesting intent to return
- Division’s state: Daniel Cormier and Dana White have expressed frustration at Jones’s inactivity and delayed unification bout with Aspinall
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Record | 28–1 (11 KO, 7 Sub, 10 Dec, 1 NC) |
| Championships | LH champ (2011–2015, 2018–2020), HW champ (2023–2025) |
| Highlights | Youngest UFC champ, longest LH reign, two-division champ |
| Controversies | 2009 DQ, 2017 UFC 214 doping NC, legal and USADA issues |
What’s Next?
- If retirement is definitive, Jon’s legendary fighting legacy stands intact—but the lack of a unification bout with Aspinall leaves unanswered questions.
- His IG post hinted at further chapters, fueling speculation around a potential return in 2025.
- The UFC heavyweight division will pivot around Aspinall’s reign, but shared fan interest remains on a Jones-Aspinall showdown.
In short: Jon Jones revolutionized MMA with his athleticism, versatility, and dominance. From light-heavyweight phenom to heavyweight conqueror, he’s amassed dozens of records. His future—comeback or full retirement—remains the sport’s most compelling