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Jon Jones
Jones in 2014
Born	Jonathan Dwight Jones[1][2] (1987-07-19) July 19, 1987 (age 31)[3] Rochester, New York, U.S.[4]
Other names	Bones (current)[5] Sexual Chocolate (former)[6]
Residence	Ithaca, New York, U.S.[7]
Nationality	American[4]
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)[5][8]
Weight	205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st)[9]
Division	Light heavyweight[5]
Reach	84 1⁄2 in (215 cm)[10]
Style	Wrestling, Gaidojutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out of	Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.[4]
Team	Jackson Wink MMA Academy[3]
Rank	Black belt in Gaidojutsu under Greg Jackson[11]      Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto Alencar[12]
Years active	2008–present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total	25
Wins	23
By knockout	10
By submission	6
By decision	7
Losses	1
By disqualification	1
No contests	1
Other information
University	Iowa Central Community College[13]
Notable relatives	Arthur Jones (brother)[14] Chandler Jones (brother)[14]
Notable school(s)	Union-Endicott High School[15]
Website	www.jonnybones.com
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Jonathan Dwight Jones^[1][2] (born July 19, 1987)^[3] is an American professional mixed martial artist who is currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the current and three-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, having won the undisputed championship twice and interim championship once, and the youngest champion in UFC history, winning his first UFC world championship at age 23. Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional fighters of all-time.^[16] As of January 2, 2019^[update], he is #2 in official UFC pound-for-pound rankings.^[17] Jones is the younger brother of former National Football League (NFL) player Arthur Jones and the older brother of current NFL player Chandler Jones.^[18][19][20]

Jones won his first UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in March 2011, becoming the youngest champion since the UFC instituted weight classes.^[21] He holds many UFC records in the light heavyweight division, including the most successful and consecutive title defenses, the most wins, the longest win streak and the most submission victories. Jones was considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world during the height of his championship reign.^{[22][23][24][25][26]}

Jones has never been defeated for a championship in MMA competition and many consider his lone professional loss, a disqualification against Matt Hamill, a bad referee decision.^[27][28] Jones first lost his status as UFC champion in 2015 when the UFC stripped his title and suspended him after he was arrested on felony hit-and-run charges. He returned to the UFC in 2016 to win the Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Ovince Saint Preux, but was stripped of the title after failing a United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) drug test just days before his scheduled UFC 200 bout against Daniel Cormier. He was suspended for a year after USADA ruled the positive test came from male enhancement pills, but still faulted Jones for negligence.

Jones returned on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214, and defeated Cormier via third-round KO to win his second UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. However, it was later revealed that Jones had failed another USADA drug test, and Jones was stripped of his third championship and his victory over Cormier was reversed to a 'no contest'.^[29][30] Because this was his second violation, Jones was facing a potential four-year ban, but this was reduced to fifteen months; thirty months were deducted due to Jones providing "substantial assistance" to USADA and a further three months were deducted because there was not enough evidence to show Jones was intentionally taking banned substances.^[31] Jones returned from suspension at UFC 232 where he defeated Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch to win the vacated UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Before beginning his MMA career, Jones was a stand-out high school wrestler and state champion at Union-Endicott High School in upstate New York.^[32] He also played football as a defensive lineman, but due to his slight frame, his coach nicknamed him "Bones".^[33] He won a national JUCO championship at Iowa Central Community College.^[32] After transferring to Morrisville State College^[34] to study Criminal Justice, he dropped out of college to begin his MMA career.^[35]

Jones made his professional MMA debut in April 2008.^[32] He amassed an undefeated record of 6–0 over a period of three months, finishing all of his opponents. In July 2008, Jones accepted a fight in the UFC as a late replacement with only two weeks notice.^[32]

In his last bout before signing with the UFC, Jones defeated Moyses Gabin at BCX 5 for the USKBA Light Heavyweight Championship.^[32] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.^[36]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Debut and rise to contender status

Jones made his UFC debut against Andre Gusmão at UFC 87 on August 9, 2008. Jones accepted the deal on two weeks' notice as a late replacement for Tomasz Drwal.^[32] He put on an impressive performance, using takedowns and displaying unorthodox striking, such as spinning elbows and a spinning back kick. Jones took a unanimous decision victory.^[37][38]

In his second career UFC match, Jones took on veteran Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94 on January 31, 2009. Jones showed superior wrestling abilities and executed strong takedowns as well as powerful throws including a suplex. Again showing unorthodox striking as he had in his debut, Jones secured one of Bonnar's legs and landed a back-elbow that nearly knocked out his opponent during the first round. Although he appeared to tire in the third round, Jones held on to win another unanimous decision victory.^[39][40]

Jones' third fight was against Jake O'Brien at UFC 100^[41] on July 11, 2009. Jones controlled the majority of the match by stuffing takedown attempts from his opponent. Jones stayed on the outside, exercising his reach advantage, and finding his range toward the end of the first round with his right jab and high and low kicks. Halfway through the second round, Jones ducked and spun to deliver another one of his signature back-elbows that struck the top of O'Brien's head. Jones eventually secured a modified guillotine choke, causing O'Brien to tap out.^[42][43]

In September 2009, Jones was rewarded for his victories by signing a new four-fight contract with the UFC.^[44]

On December 5, 2009, Jones faced off against fellow light heavyweight prospect Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. Despite dominating the fight, Jones was disqualified^[45] for the use of multiple 12-6 elbows. The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts prohibited downward elbow strikes, and Jones was initially only penalized a point from the round.^[46] However, because Hamill could not continue due to a dislocated shoulder,^[47] Jones was disqualified for those strikes. Consequently, the replay simulation was reviewed, and showed that Jones' elbows further damaged Hamill's already bloody and lacerated nose.^[46] This marked the first time that Nevada has used its recently enacted instant replay rule, in which the referee's decision was supported by the commission, which utilized a slow-motion replay to review the elbows.^[48]
Jones fought Brandon Vera on March 21, 2010, at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones.^[49] He won the fight by TKO after an elbow to Vera's face followed up with various punches in the first round.^[50] The elbow delivered to stop the fight also broke Vera's face in three places.^[51] Jones also won the "Knockout of the Night" award.^[52]

UFC youngest champion Jon Jones and basketball player Glen Davis in 2010

Jones defeated former IFL Light Heavyweight Champion Vladimir Matyushenko by TKO with elbows in 1:52 of the first round on August 1, 2010, at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko.^[53] UFC President Dana White promised Jones a "huge step-up in the competition", if he managed to defeat Matyushenko.^[54]

Following the match with Matyushenko, White said, "Vladimir Matyushenko is a guy who I have a lot of respect for and I didn't think it was going to happen that easy. Jones is the real deal and he just catapulted himself tonight into the top eight in the world. Tonight solidified it. To go in and do what he did to Vladimir Matyushenko, and make it look as easy as he did tonight, it cements it for me. This kid is one of the top eight in the world in that weight division. He's got to keep his head together, stay focused and keep doing all the right things in training. He's smart, good looking and bad-ass. He's going to make a lot of money -- this kid is going to do very well. Right now in the 205-pound division, all these guys are fighting each other. When the smoke clears and the dust settles, Jon Jones will fight one of the top eight guys in the world for his next fight."^[55]

After defeating Matyushenko, Jones stated that he wanted a "top-three opponent" for his next fight.^[56]

Jones mentioned in an interview with Inside MMA that he would be facing the winner of Antônio Rogério Nogueira vs. Ryan Bader.^[57] Reports that Jones had previously been offered a match with Nogueira, but turned it down,^[58] turned out to be false.^[59] In the Inside MMA interview, Jones also stated that he had been informed by Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta that if he finished his next two fights, he would likely receive a title shot.^[57]

White soon confirmed that Jones would face the undefeated Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Bader, on February 5, 2011, at UFC 126.^[60] Jones handed Bader his first professional loss by defeating him via tap-out due to a guillotine choke in the second round after dominating Bader in the first round. Jones was awarded the "Submission of the Night" bonus.^[61]

It was revealed that title contender and Jones' training partner Rashad Evans had sustained a knee injury in training, and would not be able to compete in his scheduled match with UFC light heavyweight champion Maurício "Shogun" Rua. Jones was told by Joe Rogan that right after his bout had ended, he would replace Evans in the fight for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.^[62]

Light Heavyweight Champion

On March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, Jones defeated Rua by TKO at 2:37 of Round 3, becoming the youngest UFC champion ever. After an early flying knee that badly hurt the champion, Shogun was dominated throughout the three rounds. A body shot and knee to the head dropped the champion to his knees, causing the referee to swiftly step in and halt the match.^[63]

His first title defense was expected to be on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133 against Rashad Evans,^[64] his former friend and teammate,^[65] but Jones was sidelined with a hand injury.^[66] It was initially announced that the hand injury would require surgery, but Jones opted for rest and rehabilitation without surgery after further consultations with doctors.^[67] Jones's injury was originally thought to keep him out of action until late 2011,^[68] but he instead made his first title defense against Quinton Jackson on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135. Jones defeated Jackson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:14 in the 4th round.^[69] In the process, he became the first UFC fighter to submit Jackson. Jones has described this as his favorite fight.^[70]

Jones vs. Evans was in the works for a second time, and a bout was targeted for December 10, 2011, at UFC 140.^[71] However, a lingering thumb injury cost another title opportunity for Evans, and Jones instead faced Lyoto Machida at the same event.^[72]
Despite getting rocked in the first round by Machida, Jones successfully defended the light heavyweight title at UFC 140, stopping Machida at 4:26 of the second round via technical submission (guillotine choke), which caused Machida to collapse unconscious along the cage.^[73] This was the first submission loss in Machida's career.

Jones defeated his archrival and former teammate Rashad Evans via unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 50–45) on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145.^[74]

During the UFC 145 post fight press conference, Dana White confirmed that Jones's next opponent would be Dan Henderson.^[75] The Jones-Henderson fight was expected to take place at UFC 151, but Henderson pulled out of the bout due to injuries,^[76][77] Jones then refused a late replacement fight with Chael Sonnen after his coach Greg Jackson told him with three training days left, it would be pretty difficult to prepare.^[78] UFC 151 was then subsequently cancelled. It was later reported that Henderson was injured three weeks prior to the announcement, but kept the injury under wraps as he was still hoping to compete. However, he had to withdraw following a final sparring session to evaluate his condition.^[79]

A rematch with Lyoto Machida was then announced for September 22, 2012, at UFC 152.^[80] Lyoto Machida, who was not contacted prior to the announcement, rejected the fight due to the lack of time to train before the bout.^[81] Jones, instead, defended the championship against Vitor Belfort on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152.^[82] Jones opened as a massive favorite (13-to-1) coming into the bout.^[82]

Despite almost being submitted via armbar in round one, Jones successfully defended the belt against Belfort,^[84][85] and equaled Chuck Liddell's number of title defenses.^[86][87] Jones also won a $65,000 Submission of the Night bonus for his fourth-round finish of Belfort.^[88]

Jones was chosen to coach opposite Chael Sonnen on Season 17 of the Ultimate Fighter. With a bout between the coaches taking place on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159.^[89]
Jones displayed a lack of interest in the bout and actively downplayed the contest, making it clear that he did not believe Sonnen was a fit contender. In an interview, Sonnen did his best to garner interest in the bout, but Jones gave him the "silent treatment", and refused to make eye contact.^[90] Jones made quick work of his challenger, finishing Sonnen via TKO in the first round. However, he dislocated a phalanx (big toe) on his left foot during the fight.^{[91][92][93][94]} With the win, Jones tied Tito Ortiz for having most consecutive title defenses in UFC light heavyweight history.^[95]

Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson on September 21, 2013, at UFC 165.^[96] Jones was badly cut above the eye during the first round,^[97] but he powered through it, and eventually won the back-and-forth fight via a controversial unanimous decision (48–47, 48–47, and 49–46). After the match, Jones said Gustafsson gave him the toughest fight of his career, and both were sent to the hospital for their injuries.^[98] Both men suffered lacerations and facial swelling, though Jones' appeared to be worse for the wear. Both combatants were released from the hospital with no broken bones or serious injuries.^[99][100] The bout also earned both fighters the Fight of the Night bonus award.^[101] The match received numerous positive characterizations: "an epic battle",^[102][103] "instant-classic",^[104] "Fight of the Year",^[105] "Greatest light heavyweight title fight of all-time",^[106] "one of the greatest fights in UFC history".^[107]

Jones was expected to take on Glover Teixeira on February 1, 2014, at UFC 169.^[108] However, on October 7, UFC President Dana White stated that the announcement for this fight on that card was premature and that Jones and Teixeira would face each other on a different card.^[109] On November 13, 2013, it was announced that Jones would fight Glover Teixeira at UFC 170, scheduled for February 22, 2014,^[110] however the next day it was announced that the match had been scratched from the card.^[111] On December 4, 2013, it was announced that Jones and Teixeira would face each other at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, in Dallas, Texas,^[112] however, the fight was moved again. Jones and Teixeira finally fought on April 26, 2014, at UFC 172.^[113]
Jones won the bout via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, and 50–45).^[114]

On April 27, 2014, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jones would next have a rematch against Gustafsson, and stated the possibility of the match taking place in a stadium in Sweden on pay-per-view.^[115][116] On May 24, 2014, it was indicated that the rematch would take place in Las Vegas on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177.^[117] The statement, and the time and venue, was not official however, because Gustafsson was the only one who still had agreed to accept the match.^[118][119] On June 2, the fight was still on hold, and UFC President Dana White explained the situation as: "Jones doesn't want to fight Gustafsson", Jones instead expressed his preference for fighting Daniel Cormier.^{[120][121][122]}

On June 5, 2014, the UFC confirmed that the Jones vs. Gustafsson rematch would take place on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178.^[123] However, Gustafsson had to pull out of the match due to a torn meniscus. Jones was then expected to take on replacement Daniel Cormier at UFC 178.^[124] On August 12, 2014, it was announced that Jones had sustained a leg injury in training, causing him to withdraw from UFC 178 in his scheduled fight against Cormier. The bout was rescheduled, and eventually took place on January 3, 2015, at UFC 182.^[125] Jones won the fight by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46), losing only one round to Cormier.^[126] He also became the first person to take Cormier down, scoring three takedowns in total. The win also earned Jones his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award.^[127] It was later revealed that Jones failed a drug test one month prior to the event, as he tested positive for cocaine. (see below in Controversies)^[128]

First suspension and return

Jones was expected to defend his title against Anthony Johnson on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187.^[129] However, on April 28, Jones was stripped of the belt and suspended from the UFC indefinitely in connection with a hit-and-run incident.^[130] Cormier, who lost against Jones at UFC 182 in January 2015, replaced him and went on to defeat Anthony Johnson to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.^[131]

On October 23, 2015, the UFC announced that Jones had been reinstated to the active roster, nearly six months after his suspension was announced.^[132]

A rematch with Daniel Cormier was expected to take place on April 23, 2016, at UFC 197.^[133] However, Cormier pulled out of the fight on April 1, citing a foot injury, and was replaced by Ovince Saint Preux.^[134][135] Jones defeated Saint Preux by unanimous decision (50–44, 50–45, and 50–45).^[136]

Second suspension and return

The rematch with Cormier had been rescheduled, and was expected to take place on July 9, 2016, at UFC 200.^[137] However, on July 6, 2016, Jones was removed from the bout by USADA on June 16 after a potential doping violation.^[138]

On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jones had been suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7. Two days later, it was announced that Jones had been stripped of his interim title, making him the first fighter in UFC history to be stripped of a title twice. On December 15, Jones was also suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for one year.

While on the sidelines, he faced off retired UFC fighter Dan Henderson in a grappling match for the Submission Underground 2 tournament on December 14. For the first minutes of the match, both fighters jockeyed for position against the cage. When Jones saw an opening, he went for a far-side duck under (aka superduck) and took Henderson to the ground, where he eventually submitted him via an arm-triangle choke at 6:39 minutes. Following the fight, Jones expressed his interest in grappling with Chael Sonnen.^[139]

Third suspension and return

The rematch with Daniel Cormier took place on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Jones won the fight and re-captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout in the third round after a head kick and a barrage of strikes on the ground.^[140] After the fight, Jones was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.^[141] Furthermore, Jones praised Cormier as a "model champion", while recognizing his own personal failings. He then called out Brock Lesnar, challenging him to a fight.^[142]

On August 22, it was announced that Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA, stemming from his test sample that was collected after weigh-ins July 28. He tested positive for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid. Jones was placed on a provisional suspension as a result of the positive drug test.^[29] On September 13, USADA confirmed that both the "A" and "B" sample of Jones' tested positive for Turinabol.^[143] As a result, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) officially overturned the result of the fight to a no contest. Subsequently, UFC President Dana White made the decision to strip him of the Light Heavyweight championship, and turn it over to Daniel Cormier.^[144]

Second UFC Light Heavyweight Championship reign

On October 10, 2018, it was announced that Jones would be making his return at UFC 232 on December 29, 2018, in a rematch with Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.^[145] Jones defeated Gustafsson by technical knockout in the third round to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.^[146]

Jones is expected to face Anthony Smith on March 2, 2019 at UFC 235.^[147]

Training

Jones initially trained with Team BombSquad out of Cortland, New York, then briefly with the Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada and most recently at Jackson's MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico.^[148] He also trained as a power-lifter during his suspension from the UFC.^[149]

Fighting style

Jon Jones posing with Marines at Camp Pendleton in 2010

Jones stands out by his high adaptability and flawless technique in the cage, which have gained him the appellatives of "one of the most dynamic, innovative, and constantly evolving fighters in the history of MMA"^[150] and "perhaps the greatest martial artist ever to step into an Octagon".^[151] A striking specialist, Jones capitalizes on his great range and defensive wrestling to land blows in a creative, unorthodox style.^[152] He employs a diverse kicking technique, favoring front kicks to the body and head, roundhouse kicks to the legs and upper body, and his most known technique, the "oblique kick", a controversial move that targets his opponent's knee.^[152][153] Jones also excels in the clinch, where he is skilled at controlling his adversary's arms and scoring elbow and knee strikes. On the ground, he is characterized by his great positional control and ability to find openings for punches and elbow strikes.^[151]

Personal life

Jones and his fiancée Jessie^[154][155] have three daughters: Leah, born in 2008; Carmen Nicole Jones, born in 2009; and Olivia Haven born in 2013. In an interview with Joe Rogan on December 1, 2016, Jones stated that he has four daughters (aged 9, 8, 6 and 3), indicating a daughter born before Leah.^[156]

Jones is a Christian,^[157] and has "Philippians 4:13" tattooed on the right side of his chest.

Jon's older brother, Arthur is a former American football defensive lineman who played for the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, while the Jones' younger brother, Chandler, is an outside linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals.^[158] His older sister, Carmen, died of brain cancer before her eighteenth birthday.^[159][160]

On March 19, 2011, Jones was en route to Great Falls Historic Park in Paterson, New Jersey,^[161] where he planned to meditate several hours ahead of his fight against Maurício "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128. He was accompanied by his coaches Mike Winkeljohn and Greg Jackson. As their driver prepared to drop them off, Jones observed an elderly couple screaming for help. The woman informed Winkeljohn that a man had smashed her car window and had run off with her GPS. Jones, along with his two coaches, chased after the robber, caught and tripped him, and held him down until the police arrived.^[162][163]

On August 8, 2012, Jones became the first mixed martial artist to be sponsored by Nike on an international scale. Anderson Silva and Yoshihiro Akiyama have signed regional deals with Nike in the past, but Jones was the first to represent Nike globally.^[164] He is also the first fighter in MMA history to have his own shoe line.^[165] Jones was the first MMA fighter to represent Gatorade and MuscleTech in the Octagon.^[166]

Jon Jones with Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White at a U.S. Senate event in 2014

On December 16, 2014, Jones announced that he had signed a sponsorship deal with Reebok.^[167] However, on April 29, 2015, Reebok terminated their sponsorship following Jones's involvement in a hit-and-run incident.^[168] A day later, Jones also lost his sponsorship with MuscleTech.^[169]

Controversies

On December 5, 2009, in his bout with Matt Hamill, Jones was disqualified for using illegal elbows. However, despite instant replay being used to make the decision, Dana White still claimed that the loss should not have counted and should have been a no contest.^[170]

In the early morning of May 19, 2012, Jones drove his Bentley Continental GT into a pole in Binghamton, New York. Jones was arrested for driving under the influence and was bailed out several hours later by his mother.^[171] He pleaded guilty to DUI charges and ended up paying a $1,000 fine, installing ignition interlocks on all of his vehicles, had to complete a victims impact class, and had his drivers license suspended for six months.^[172]

UFC 151, scheduled to premiere on September 1, 2012, was cancelled due to Jones declining to fight Chael Sonnen, a last-minute replacement for Dan Henderson. In the 19-year history of the UFC, it was the first card to ever be cancelled. UFC president Dana White went on record saying, "this is one of the most selfish, disgusting decisions that doesn't just affect you. This is affecting 16 other lives, their families, kids are going back to school. The list goes on and on of all the things, the money that was spent for fighters to train and the list goes on and on. Like I said, I don't think this is going to make Jon Jones popular with the fans, sponsors, cable distributors, television network executives or other fighters."^[173]

Jones has been criticized for repeatedly poking his opponents in the eyes. In response to the criticism, Jones released a video over Instagram, in which he mocked fans by simulating crying, which has since been deleted. Dana White then stated, "we've got to stop that stuff. The openings of the hands and putting the hands on the face are something bad, but it happens with guys who have reach. They do that a lot."^[174] White later clarified his point, saying, "It's not just taller fighters. Jones has that range and he can do it, but lots of guys do it because that’s how you block punches. So you keep your hands open and you slap punches down. Then guys are rushing in and you’re doing whatever, and guys get poked in the eyes." He also noted that in the fight against Glover Teixeira, after Jones was warned about the behavior, he was more careful to avoid any eye pokes throughout the rest of the match, a move he claimed Jones "would not [be] credited for" from detractors.^[175] Jones later responded to the controversy in an interview, saying, "I realize that I do it. I realize the criticism that I got from it. It’s not on purpose. If you watch my fights, it’s me extending my arm in a reactionary way. I do put a hand on people’s foreheads to maintain distance. That’s what you saw [against] Teixeira, but to say I am purposely poking people in the eye, it’s just inaccurate."^[176]

On April 14, 2014, Jones was accused of writing homophobic slurs to a Swedish man over Instagram. In response, Jones stated that his phone was stolen and his account was hacked.^[177]

On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jones failed a drug test prior to UFC 182. He tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine.^[128] Because benzoylecgonine is not banned out-of-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the NSAC could not halt Jones from participating during UFC 182. He was randomly tested on December 3, 2014, and results came back on December 23, 2014. A week after his first test, Jones was tested again. He passed the second test, which meant that the cocaine metabolite was out of his system before the fight. When the news was made public, Jones went into rehab for one night.^{[128][178][179]} He was fined $25,000 on January 17 for violating the UFC's Athlete Code of Conduct policy.^[180] On January 19, 2015, Jones was interviewed for the first time since the failed drug test and said: "...I'm not a cocaine addict by any means or not even a frequent user. I just made a really dumb decision and got caught with my pants down in this whole situation."^[181]

Daniel Cormier altercation

During a promotional event for UFC 178, on August 4, 2014, Jones and Daniel Cormier briefly scuffled during an on-stage staredown, initiated by Jones pressing his forehead against Cormier's forehead, prompting Cormier to shove Jones by the throat, to which Jones responded by throwing a punch.^[182] Both fighters were restrained by coaches and event organizers. UFC chief legal officer Kirk Hendrick said "there are going to be ramifications". In addition, the Nevada State Athletic Commission requested a video copy of the altercation.^[183] On September 23, 2014, Jones was fined $50,000 fine and was ordered to undergo 40 hours of community service by the Nevada Athletic Commission.^[184] During the disciplinary hearing, Jones claimed losing a six-figure endorsement deal with Nike, but later admitted to fabricating the statement.^[185][186]

Hit-and-run incident

On April 27, 2015, Albuquerque, New Mexico police confirmed that Jones was sought in connection with a hit-and-run early the previous morning. Jones was alleged to have run a red light and crashed his rental car in a collision involving two other vehicles. Jones allegedly fled the scene of the crash on foot, leaving an injured pregnant woman behind in another vehicle. The accident was witnessed by an off-duty police officer who identified the suspect as an African American man, wearing a white shirt and dark pants, which he believed was Jones.^[187][188] According to witnesses, the man described as Jones then returned to the scene to grab cash from the vehicle before fleeing again. Paperwork found in the rental car was under the name of "Jonathan Jones". Inside the silver Buick SUV, law enforcement found a pipe of marijuana with marijuana inside of it.^[189] Though initially wanted for questioning that could have resulted in a simple misdemeanor, Jones' charges were elevated to a felony on April 27 for injuring a person and purposely leaving the scene of an accident.^[190]

An arrest warrant was issued against Jones, and surrender arrangements were made between law enforcement and Jones' lawyers.^[191] That evening, Jones turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department.^[192] Later that evening, Jones posted bail of $2,500 and left the Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center.^[193] He made a court appearance on April 28 and did not enter a plea. The judge lifted any travel restrictions, and Jones was allowed to remain free, as long as he remained in contact with his lawyer, and followed certain conditions.^[194] With a pending UFC fight still in his contract, UFC President Dana White and Zuffa, LLC owner Lorenzo Fertitta traveled to New Mexico from Las Vegas to meet with Jones in person. Jones apologized to his fans on Twitter by saying, "Got a lot of soul searching to do. Sorry to everyone I've let down."^[195] That same day, the UFC stripped Jones of the title, removed him from the official rankings, and suspended him indefinitely.^[196] In an official statement released that day, the UFC stated that Jones was stripped from his belt for violating the Athlete Code of Conduct Policy. The UFC believed that this was the right move, because it gave Jones enough time to focus on his legal problems, but later stated that they would remain supportive of Jones during the process.^[197]

On September 29, 2015, Jones pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and was subsequently sentenced to up to 18 months of supervised probation. He was authorized to travel for work-related purposes. Jones met all of the conditions, which included 72 separate appearances for charity or youth outreach, avoiding a felony charge on his criminal record.^[198]

In an interview in December 2016, Jones stated that he did in fact run from the scene of the traffic accident and did not check on the occupant of the other vehicle.^[199]

Failed drug tests

Prior to his UFC 182 bout with Daniel Cormier, Jones' testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio was considered by some experts to be alarmingly low. Victor Conte, a former steroid trafficker, who founded and led the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), said of Jones' suspicious test "these (levels) are highly suspicious for Jon Jones, in my opinion. This is the reason that sophisticated anti-doping officials do target testing. So based on what we see here, my opinion is Jon Jones should be on a very short leash and should be random tested here until they sort out why he has these anomalies."^[200]

On July 8, 2016, a urine sample from Jones tested positive for two banned substances, prior to his scheduled championship bout with Daniel Cormier at UFC 200. The violation was from an "A" sample collection on June 16, with subsequent testing of the B sample confirming the doping. As a result, Jones had to withdraw from the event, and was replaced by former middleweight champion Anderson Silva.^[201]

On July 18, 2016, the Nevada State Athletic Commission revealed Jones had tested positive for clomiphene, an anti-estrogenic substance, and letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor. These substances were found in the June 16 sample provided by Jones. Both drugs are on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned substances list, and are described as "hormone and metabolic modulators." Additionally, both drugs are banned substances that are not allowed to be used in or out of competition.^[202][203] Throughout the ordeal, Jones maintained his innocence, claiming that he was the victim of a contaminated product that he believed to be Cialis, which was later independently obtained, tested and found to be contaminated by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.^[204]

On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jones was issued a 1-year suspension by USADA following his arbitration hearing, though the arbitration panel concluded that Jones did not take the banned substances intentionally, and was not a drug cheat.^[205]

On August 22, 2017, it was announced that Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA, stemming from his test sample that was collected after weigh-ins on July 28. He tested positive for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid. Jones was placed on a provisional suspension as a result of the positive drug test, and was afforded a full adjudication process.^[29] On September 13, the CSAC announced that it had overturned the result of Jones' fight with Cormier to a no-contest, after both Jones' A and B samples tested positive for Turinabol.^[206] Jones stated that he did not knowingly take any prohibited substances,^[207] with his team believing Jones consumed tainted substances, while Cormier stated “This is a very expensive drug, something that’s not gonna just be easily found in a supplement”. Jones potentially faced up to a 4-year suspension if found guilty,^[208] but instead, was handed a 15-month suspension on September 18, from the retroactive date of July 28,^[209] plus three months community service.^[210]

Jones became eligible to fight again as of October 28, 2018,^[211] and was scheduled to perform at UFC 232 in Las Vegas on December 29. However, after further inconsistencies arose with his drug test on December 23, he was not granted a license to compete in Nevada, and the event was moved to Los Angeles.^[212] In order to get licensed by CSAC, Jones had to enroll into VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) testing program, thus making him the first UFC fighter to be signed to both USADA and VADA testing programs simultaneously.^[213] Thirty months were deducted from the suspension because Jones provided "substantial assistance" to the United States Anti-Doping Agency. "Substantial assistance" refers to an athlete helping an anti-doping agency with "discovering or bringing forward an Anti-Doping Policy Violation" by another athlete or something else that "results in a criminal or disciplinary body discovering or bringing forward a criminal offense or the breach of professional rules committed" by another person.^[214]

Championships and accomplishments

Jon Jones with fans at UFC 100 Fan Expo, Mandalay Bay Casino, Las Vegas

Mixed martial arts

• 
  Ultimate Fighting Championship
  
  
  
  • 
    UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (two times. current)
  
  
  • Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (one time)
  
  
  • 
    Fight of the Night (four times) vs. Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Alexander Gustafsson and Daniel Cormier^{[215][216][217][218]}
    
  
  
  • 
    Knockout of the Night (one time) vs. Brandon Vera^[52]
    
  
  
  • 
    Submission of the Night (two times) vs. Ryan Bader, Vitor Belfort^[61][88]
    
  
  
  • 
    Performance of the Night (one time) vs. Daniel Cormier
    
  
  
  • Longest win streak in UFC light heavyweight division history (thirteen)
  
  
  • Most consecutive light heavyweight title defenses in UFC history (eight)
  
  
  • Most successful light heavyweight title defenses in UFC history (eight)
  
  
  • Most submission victories in UFC light heavyweight division history (five)
  
  
  • Most wins in UFC light heavyweight division history (sixteen)
  
  
  • Youngest fighter to win a UFC championship (23 years, 242 days)^[21]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  United States Kickboxing Association
  
  • USKBA Light Heavyweight Championship (one time)^[36]
    
  
  


• 
  Sherdog
  
  
  
  • 2009 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year^[219]
    
  
  
  • 2010 All-Violence 1st Team^[220]
    
  
  
  • 2011 All-Violence 1st Team^[221]
    
  
  
  • 2011 Beatdown of the Year for win over Maurício Rua^[222]
    
  
  
  • 2011 Fighter of the Year^[223]
    
  
  
  • 2012 All-Violence 1st Team^[224]
    
  
  
  • 2013 All-Violence 1st Team^[225]
    
  
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[226]
    
  
  
  • Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame^[227]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  World MMA Awards
  
  
  
  • 2010 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year^[228]
    
  
  
  • 2011 Fighter of the Year^[229]
    
  
  
  • 2012 Fighter of the Year^[230]
    
  
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[231]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  MMAFighting.com
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[232]
    
  
  


• 
  MMAInsider.net
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[233]
    
  
  


• 
  FoxSports.com
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[234]
    
  
  


• 
  Yahoo! Sports
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs. Alexander Gustafsson)(UFC 165)^[235]
    
  
  


• 
  MMAWeekly.com
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs.Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[236]
    
  
  


• 
  MMAjunkie.com
  
  
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs.Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[237]
    
  
  
  • 2015 January Fight of the Month vs. Daniel Cormier^[238]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  ESPN
  
  
  
  • 2011 Fighter of the Year^[239]
    
  
  
  • 2013 Fight of the Year (vs. Alexander Gustafsson) (UFC 165)^[240]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  
  
  
  • 2014 Feud of the Year vs. Daniel Cormier^[241]
    
  
  
  • 2011 Most Outstanding Fighter^[242]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  Spike Guys' Choice Awards
  
  • 2011 Most Dangerous Man^[243]
    
  
  


• 
  FIGHT! Magazine
  
  • 2009 Newcomer of the Year^[244]
    
  
  

Amateur wrestling

• 
  National Junior College Athletic Association
  
  
  
  • 
    NJCAA Junior Collegiate Championship out of Iowa Central Community College (2006)^[245]
    
  
  
  • 
    NJCAA All-American out of Iowa Central Community College (2006)^[246]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  National High School Coaches Association
  
  • NHSCA Senior All-American (2005)^[247]
    
  
  


• 
  New York State Public High School Athletic Association
  
  • 
    NYSPHSAA Division I State Championship out of Union-Endicott High School (2005)^[248]
    
  
  


• 
  USA Wrestling
  
  • Northeast Junior Greco-Roman Regional Championship (2004)^[249]
    
  
  

Mixed martial arts record

^[250]

Grappling record

3 Matches, 3 Wins (3 Submissions)
Result	Rec.	Opponent	Method	Event	Division	Date	Location
Win	3–0	Dan Henderson	Submission (arm-triangle choke)	Submission Underground 2	Superfight	December 14, 2016	Portland, OR
Win	2–0	Rich O'Toole	Submission (guillotine choke)	NAGA Phoenix	Absolute	October 15, 2016	Phoenix, AZ
Win	1–0	Dan Daubert	Submission (guillotine choke)

Pay-per-view bouts

See also

• List of current UFC fighters


• List of male mixed martial artists


• List of UFC champions


• List of UFC bonus award recipients


• Ultimate Fighting Championship Pound for Pound rankings

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jon Jones (fighter).

• Jonny Bones Jones Official Site


• 
  "Jon Jones". UFC.com.
  


• 
  Professional MMA record for Jon Jones from Sherdog
  


• Jon Jones profile at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame