Jon “Bones” Jones is often touted as one of the most talented and controversial figures in the MMA scene, and he has left an indelible legacy in the light heavyweight division of UFC. Born on July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York, Jones entered professional MMA in 2008, and within just a few months, made his UFC debut at UFC 87 against Andre Gusmao. With his unpredictable striking, versatility in grappling, and a peculiar fighting style that merges wresting and dynamic striking into a seamless whole, Jones quickly became one of the biggest stars in the sport. At just 23 years old, he became the youngest UFC champion when he defeated Maurício "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128, a record that still stands today.
His reign in the light heavyweight division included victories against Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Glover Teixeira. However, his career faced hurdles due to multiple suspensions and controversies, including doping violations and legal troubles that impacted his fighting schedule. After vacating the light-heavyweight title in 2020, Jones moved to heavyweight and returned from his three-year hiatus in 2023 to capture the UFC heavyweight title by beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. His next outing will see him attempting to defend the heavyweight strap for the first time, against former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic.
Jon Jones Hometown
Jon Jones, also known as "Bones," is an American MMA fighter from Rochester, New York, United States. He attended Union-Endicott High School, where he excelled as a wrestler, becoming a state champion. Jon’s father was a pastor who initially didn't encourage Jon's fighting ambition, insisting that he should follow in his footsteps into ministry. Despite these discouragements, Jon soon cultivated his enthusiasm for martial arts.
Jon Jones resides and trains in Albuquerque, New Mexico, having relocated from his home state of New York.
Jon Jones' UFC Record
Heading into UFC 309 on November 16, 2024, Jon Jones maintains a professional UFC record of 21 wins, one loss, and one no-contest (21-1-0, 1NC). Of his wins in the promotions, five have come by knockout, six by submission, and 10 via decisions.
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location |
| Win | 27–1 (1) | Ciryl Gane | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 285 | March 4, 2023 | 1 | 2:04 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 26–1 (1) | Dominick Reyes | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 247 | February 8, 2020 | 5 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Win | 25–1 (1) | Thiago Santos | Decision (split) | UFC 239 | July 6, 2019 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 24–1 (1) | Anthony Smith | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 235 | March 2, 2019 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 23–1 (1) | Alexander Gustafsson | KO (punches) | UFC 232 | December 29, 2018 | 3 | 2:02 | Inglewood, California, United States |
| NC | 22–1 (1) | Daniel Cormier | NC (overturned) | UFC 214 | July 29, 2017 | 3 | 3:01 | Anaheim, California, United States |
| Win | 22–1 | Ovince Saint Preux | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 197 | April 23, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 21–1 | Daniel Cormier | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 182 | January 3, 2015 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 20–1 | Glover Teixeira | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 172 | April 26, 2014 | 5 | 5:00 | Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Win | 19–1 | Alexander Gustafsson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 165 | September 21, 2013 | 5 | 5:00 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Win | 18–1 | Chael Sonnen | TKO (elbows and punches) | UFC 159 | April 27, 2013 | 1 | 4:33 | Newark, New Jersey, United States |
| Win | 17–1 | Vitor Belfort | Submission (keylock) | UFC 152 | September 22, 2012 | 4 | 0:54 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Win | 16–1 | Rashad Evans | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 145 | April 21, 2012 | 5 | 5:00 | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Win | 15–1 | Lyoto Machida | Technical Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 140 | December 10, 2011 | 2 | 4:26 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Win | 14–1 | Quinton Jackson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 135 | September 24, 2011 | 4 | 1:14 | Denver, Colorado, United States |
| Win | 13–1 | Maurício Rua | TKO (punches and knees) | UFC 128 | March 19, 2011 | 3 | 2:37 | Newark, New Jersey, United States |
| Win | 12–1 | Ryan Bader | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 126 | February 5, 2011 | 2 | 4:20 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 11–1 | Vladimir Matyushenko | TKO (elbows) | UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko | August 1, 2010 | 1 | 1:52 | San Diego, California, United States |
| Win | 10–1 | Brandon Vera | TKO (elbows and punches) | UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones | March 21, 2010 | 1 | 3:19 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States |
| Loss | 9–1 | Matt Hamill | DQ (illegal elbows) | The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale | December 5, 2009 | 1 | 4:14 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 9–0 | Jake O'Brien | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 100 | July 11, 2009 | 2 | 2:43 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 8–0 | Stephan Bonnar | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 94 | January 31, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 7–0 | André Gusmão | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 87 | August 9, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
FAQs on Jon Jones
A. Jon Jones is from New York, United States. He was born on July 19, 1987.
A. Jon Jones holds a professional MMA record of 27-1-0 (1NC).
A. Jon Jones has only lost one fight in his career. This loss came against Matt Hamill via a disqualification.
A. Jon Jones is 37 years old as of November 2024.
