Jon Jones record: How many title defenses does UFC ‘GOAT’ have?

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones can without any doubt be called one of the greatest fighters of all time. He has been dominating the 205 lbs division for a very long time and will continue doing the same in the heavyweight division as well. Jones has been in the headlines his entire career, either for his accomplishments inside the octagon or his controversial lifestyle outside. He holds many records under his belt, one of which is the most title defenses in UFC history.

Born on July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York, Jon Jones started wrestling at a very young age. He went on to become a state champion in upstate New York and also won the National Judo Championship during his time attending college. Jones made his professional debut in 2008 against Brad Bernard at Untamed 20. He won the fight via TKO in the first round and went undefeated before eventually signing with the UFC.

Jones comes from a family of accomplished athletes. Both his brothers Arthur and Chandler Jones are accomplished NFL athletes and also are great wrestlers, according to Jones.

Related: Jon Jones next fight: 5 best options after claiming heavyweight title

Jon Jones and his title defenses in UFC

Throughout his time in UFC, Jon Jones has amassed a record of 27 wins, 1 loss and 1 no-contest. He made his UFC debut in 2008, against Andre Gusmao at UFC 87. The fight was scheduled on short notice and Jones won the bout via unanimous decision. He kept on winning his next couple of fights until he fought Matt Hamill. Bones dominated Hill and battered him with elbow strikes. However, Jon was later disqualified for the use of illegal elbow strikes.

A couple of years after his first loss, Jon Jones for the first time fought for the light heavyweight title in 2011 against Mauricio Rua. Jones was a replacement for his former training partner, Rashad Evans, who was out of his bout due to a knee injury. He went on to defeat Rua in the third round of the bout via TKO and became the youngest-ever UFC champion. Jones went on to defeat his title against the likes of Rampage Jackson, Chael Sonnen, Rashad Evans, and Vitor Belfort dominating every one of them.

In September 2013, Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165. Jones admitted that it was the toughest fight of his career and the fight was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. Jones won the fight via unanimous decision, and both fighters earned a Fight of the Night bonus. After a failed attempt at a rematch with Gustafsson, Jones instead fought Daniel Cormier. A rivalry that would go down as one of the ugliest in UFC history. Jones won the bout via unanimous decision. However, it was later revealed he had tested positive for cocaine in his system.

Jon Jones’ title defenses amidst his controversial suspensions

Although Jon Jones is one of the greatest fighters in the UFC, he is also one of the most controversial fighters as well. His controversies have cost him his light heavyweight title several times, along with long suspensions. Jones was supposed to fight Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 in 2015. However, due to his connection with the hit-and-run case, Jones was stripped of his title and suspended indefinitely. Daniel Cormier replaced Jones and defeated Johnson to become the light heavyweight champion.

Nearly six months later, Jones was reinstated back in UFC. He had a rematch with Daniel Cormier scheduled for the light heavyweight title at UFC 200. However, Jones was pulled from the fight due to a doping violation. He was stripped of his interim title and suspended by the NSAC for one year.

The rematch with Cormier would finally take place at UFC 214, where Jones claimed his title back via a third-round knock-out. However, bones would face yet another suspension after being flagged for potential doping violations. Jones was stripped of his title yet again and suspended for over 15 months. This made Jones the only fighter to be stripped of his title thrice.

Jones would finally return at UFC 232 against Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant light heavyweight title. He defeated Alexander via third-round knockout and defended his title thrice. Jones had achieved a total of 14 title defenses before vacating the title and moving up a weight class.

Jon Jones’ title defenses at the heavyweight division

On August 15, Jon Jones announced that he would vacate the light heavyweight title to move up a division. Jon’s move to the heavyweight division took over three years to materialize. After Francis Ngannou vacated the division due to contract issues with the UFC, a bout between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane was scheduled for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285.

Jones returned to the octagon after three years and made short work of Gane as he submitted him in the first round via guillotine choke. Jones became the heavyweight champion but is yet to defend it. A potential fight between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones was in talks but failed to materialize. Jon Jones has stated that he will be fighting only once or twice before eventually retiring from the sport.

FAQs

Q. When Did Jon Jones make his debut in UFC?

Jon Jones made his UFC debut at UFC 87 in 2008 against Andre Gusmao.

Q. When was Jon Jones born?

Jon Jones was born on July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York.

Q. When did Jon Jones become the heavyweight champion?

After defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, Jon Jones captured the vacant heavyweight title.

In case you missed it:

• Before and after fighting Jon Jones: Five fighters who never recovered from losing to ‘Bones’
• Jon Jones’ children: Does the controversial UFC legend have any kids?

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