Jon Jones represents a formidable force in UFC history, lauded for his unparalleled run of dominance. Bursting onto the UFC scene at the age of 21, he effortlessly bulldozed his way through the light heavyweight division for more than ten years. His awe-inspiring track record boasts an incredible 27-1-0 record. Jones, hailing from New York, secured his first UFC championship belt merely three years post his debut in 2008.
In 2011, in an electrifying three-round showdown, Jones left ‘Shogun’ Rua in the dust to clinch the light heavyweight championship. This victory rendered Jones the youngest ever champion in UFC history. Approximately 15 years on, UFC 309 might present the closing chapter to Jones’ illustrious career, where he is set to defend his title.
At 37 years of age, Jones is slated to face off against Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight championship’s main-event match. This eagerly-anticipated showdown marks Jones’ maiden title defense since ascending to the heavyweight division in March 2023. Jones stunned the audience by clinching the heavyweight championship with a swift decimation of Ciryl Gane in his very first heavyweight confrontation.
Now, potentially eyeing his retirement, Jones is all geared up to protect his title under the dazzling glow of Madison Square Garden. If he emerges victorious in UFC 309, it could indelibly etch his identity as the greatest ever UFC fighter. During a press event promoting UFC 285, Dana White, the UFC president, engaged in a dialogue regarding Jones’ legacy.
Responding to the question of whether a few more title defenses could position Jones as the greatest UFC fighter, White made it clear: Jones, in his view, already claims the crown as the unmatched pound-for-pound fighter of all time. ‘I find a dearth of individuals willing to contest this, but even if they did, a couple of heavyweight title defenses would stamp the debate out permanently,’ noted White.
Casting a glance at Jones’ career trajectory, White noted, ‘He’s invincible. His record should reflect 27-0.’ White argued vehemently that Jones’ sole knockout should be categorized as a stoppage instead of disqualification. His admiration for the heavyweight champ continued unabated.
‘Jones’ path to claim and maintain his title reveals an impressive roster of formidable opponents defanged by him,’ White continued. ‘It’s impossible to deny that he is the greatest of all time.’ Although White’s words resulted in a flurry of heated debates among UFC fans on their GOAT picks, his perspective does hold considerable merit.
Unlike many other fighters who have left their mark on the UFC, Jones’ illustrious career stands out. At the nascent age of 23 years, Jones became the youngest UFC champion, a record he still holds. Additionally, he has secured the most wins in UFC title fights, underscoring his dominance.
Jones didn’t cherry pick his fights – his impressive stature of 6’4” earned him eight victories against former UFC champions. Given a successful outcome against Miocic at UFC 309, this figure could reach a tally of nine. Additionally, courtesy of his almost flawless career, Jones enjoys a streak of 19 unbeaten bouts—an all-time record in UFC.
According to UFC middleweight fighter Caio Borralho, ‘Jon Jones is the unrivaled MMA athlete of all time. He wrestled the best opponents, faced the division’s toughest and won. His competitiveness is off the charts. Undoubtedly, Jon Jones personifies the GOAT.’
Chris Weidman, a former middleweight champ, echoed a similar sentiment, indicating that Jones’ career milestones are testimony to his greatness. ‘Jon Jones stands out for his remarkable career accomplishments,’ Weidman stated. ‘No one can dispute his place as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Despite recent inactivity, the stunning way he made a comeback at heavyweight and triumphed over Ciryl Gane swiftly puts him at the very top.’
Belonging to the exclusive club of only seven individuals who have ever claimed a UFC championship in more than one weight class, Jones’ place in the UFC pantheon is firmly cemented. A successful defense of his title at UFC 309 could consolidate his standing as the greatest fighter ever to grace the Octagon.