Jon Jones Cited as Major Influence for MMA Journey by Former 135-Pound UFC Champion

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling terms Jon Jones as his inspiration for starting MMA career.

Jon Jones Cited as Major Influence for MMA Journey by Former 135-Pound UFC Champion

Aljamain Sterling talks about being inspired by Jon Jones (via Bleacher Report, MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Jon Jones is recognized as a major influence on Aljamain Sterling's MMA career.
  • Sterling successfully transitioned to the featherweight division after losing the bantamweight title.
  • Concerns about Jones' physical condition have emerged ahead of his planned return to competition.

Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Despite off-cage controversies and failed PED tests, his skill and achievements keep him consistently in the top three for many fans. His dominance in the light heavyweight division set a standard for technique, versatility, and fight IQ. Jones’ career has inspired numerous fighters, including former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.

Sterling was one of the most dominant and well-rounded champions in the UFC during his reign as bantamweight kingpin. However, his momentum was halted by Sean O’Malley at UFC 292, ending his run in the division. This defeat prompted ‘Funkmaster’ to move up to the featherweight division. He made his featherweight debut successfully, defeating Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision at UFC 300.

Sterling delivered a dominant performance against former title challenger Brian Ortega at UFC Shanghai in August 2025. The win reinforced his status as a top contender and highlighted his title shot aspirations. At this stage, he faced a crossroads in his career, evaluating his path in 145-pounds. This moment also led him to reveal that meeting Jon Jones had been the major push that inspired him to start MMA.

He was just getting into it. I told him I was coming, and he didn’t believe me. He was like, ‘You ain’t coming.’ I showed up anyway. When he saw me, he was shocked. I told him, ‘Bro, I keep my word.’ I saw Jon having success and thought, ‘Honestly, I think I can be good at this too.’ I was wrestling, cutting weight, not making any money. Meanwhile, he’s fighting, cutting weight, and getting paid. I didn’t fully understand it. I just knew I wanted in.

Aljamain Sterling via Home Of Fight

Sterling has referenced Jones multiple times as a key inspiration in his MMA career. Seeing Jones train and compete early on influenced Sterling’s understanding of top-level fighting. He noted how ‘Bones’ success shaped his mental approach to training and competition. This highlights the long‑standing influence the former two-divisional champion has had on Sterling’s path in mixed martial arts.

The former bantamweight champion has remained familiar with Jon Jones since their early days as teammates and training partners. The two attended the same college, where Sterling observed Jones’ wrestling at the NCAA level, inspiring him to pursue combat sports. Beyond the gym, Sterling has often shared stories highlighting Jones’ wild partying habits during their early years as well as their UFC careers.

Jon Jones’ impact on MMA extends beyond his in-cage accomplishments, influencing a generation of fighters with his skill and approach. Even in retirement, he remains popular and continues to inspire both fans and athletes. Aljamain Sterling is one example of a fighter whose career and mindset were shaped by Jones’ example. His story shows how mentorship and observing top-level talent can leave a lasting mark.

Is Jon Jones finally done with professional fighting?

Jon Jones has been vocal about returning at the upcoming UFC White House event slated for June 14th. However, doubts have arisen after a leaked video of him admitting to severe arthritis went viral. The revelation has raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. Fans and analysts are now closely monitoring his physical condition ahead of the event.

Jon Jones
Jon Jones (via Yahoo)

However, Jones has since said he remains confident in his ability to compete despite his arthritis. He emphasized that the condition has not affected his training or preparation for the upcoming UFC White House event. However, his former rival, Daniel Cormier, believes Jones was fully aware he was being recorded and may have used it as a way to step away from MMA due to major injuries.

I think Jon Jones knew what he was doing. I think he wanted people to know that he’s injured, and I think that’s exactly the way that he wanted it to happen by giving it to an influencer. That influencer then put it on the internet and then you can feign ignorance and go, ‘Oh my god, I got caught.’ Not true. I believe Jon Jones really is dealing with injuries from a long, sustained career in combat sports. I don’t think you’re going to have him much longer in this sport. Because I don’t think the guy’s body is going to hold up.

Daniel Cormier via YouTube

Cormier’s statements have added weight to the discussion about Jones’ future, highlighting concerns over his condition and intentions. Since the leak, Jones slammed the person who recorded the video, calling it an invasion of privacy. Despite the controversy, he still plans to compete at the UFC White House event. His next moves will determine whether he can continue performing at the elite level.

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