Has Jon Jones ever lost? Breaking down UFC record, opponents for former champion
Jon Jones, the most recognizable name in martial arts, dominated the 2010s. Jones uses his wrestling and elite punches to bring down anyone in his path. His run has sparked talks about him being the greatest of all time.
Jones can improve his status and cement himself as a true “GOAT” if he beats Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 on March 4. In his first fight in three years, the former UFC light heavyweight champion is fighting for the heavyweight title of promotion.
What can we expect from “Bones” in a new division?
As an NJCAA National Champion, Jones’ rise to the top is legendary. The Sporting News has provided a brief overview of his fighting career, from the beginning to his last fight.
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Jon Jones’ Record, Bio, Reach
Making his pro debut in 2008, Jones competed for Battle Cage Xtreme and World Championship Fighting to launch his career.
In 2009, Jones joined the UFC, beating Andre Gusmao by unanimous decision. After back-to-back wins, Jones faced Matt Hamill and lost by disqualification. Using illegal elbows (known as a 12-to-6 punching move), referee Steve Mazzagatti disqualified him instead of declaring the fight out of contest. Dana White tried to reverse the loss but to no avail.
“This fight should have ended, it should have been over, and Jones should have been 27-0,” White said on The Jim Rome Show via MMA Fighting. “I fought hard to get that off his record, but I didn’t make it. It’s terrible. It’s a referee I’ve said a million times shouldn’t even be in the octagon [refereeing]. But what are you going to do?”
Since that fight, Jones has won 17-0 with a no-contest. He beat the likes of Ryan Bader, Mauricio Rua (for the light heavyweight title), Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort to name a few. His fight with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 in 2013, which he won by unanimous decision, was inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame.
MORE: Remembering last time Jon Jones entered the octagon
In 2017, Jones defeated Daniel Cormier by KO. However, the fight was overturned and he was stripped of the UFC light heavyweight title (not the first time this has happened) after testing positive for Turinabol. However, recent USADA laws indicate that Jones would not be labeled a cheater if his positive test happened today. Jones tweeted that he should receive reparations for his multiple suspensions from USADA. Speaking to The Sporting News, Jones explained he was glad he took the punch for everyone else. He also said he owes a big thank you.
After this ordeal, Jones won four straight games. He beat Gustafsson in a rematch for the title and defended the belt against Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes. The Reyes fight had a controversial ending. After the fight, Jones attempted to negotiate with White over salary related to superfights.
The 35 year old relinquished the UFC light heavyweight title hoping that the promotion would give him what he thinks is his worth. Not long after his eviction, Jones decided to turn his attention to heavyweight. He was waiting for this opportunity to compete for gold. He finally gets his wish and is ready to prove that getting fired pays off.