Jon Jones was champion in the light heavyweight and heavyweight categories Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
It's the end of an era. This Saturday (21), Dana White confirmed what many were already expecting: the retirement of Jon Jones. after the UFC Baku, the organization's representative revealed that the American left the sport and Tom aspinall is the new linear champion.
'Bones' says goodbye to the octagon with 'GOAT' status (greatest in history), a legacy of victories over legends and while holding the heavyweight belt (up to 120,2 kg).
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The 'goodbye', however, is controversial. Jones did not face Aspinall in the fight that was considered, even by Dana, to be the biggest in the history of the division. Which does not mean that his legacy is any lesser because of it.
Jon Jones is the greatest fighter in UFC history
Jon Jones revolutionized MMA. First, he won the light heavyweight belt in March 2011, at the age of 23 years and 242 days. The feat against Mauritius Shogun, at UFC 128, remains the milestone of maximum precocity in the organization.
No athlete has surpassed this mark in 14 years. His hegemony in the category lasted a decade, with 11 title defenses, in addition to victories in fights for the interim title and times when he had to regain the title due to problems outside the octagon that caused him to lose the position.
Throughout his career, he has won 16 title fights and has gone 20 fights without losing. This is the longest unbeaten streak ever recorded in the league.
His farewell also has a big context: he was defeated only once in his career. And in a controversial way. It happened in 2009, against Matt Hamill, when he was disqualified for illegal elbows. His record ended with 28 wins, one setback and one fight without a result.
Two belts
Along the way, Jon was at the top of the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg) and, as champion, he overcame names such as Lyoto Machida, Glover Teixeira, Vitor belfort, Alexander Gustafson, Rampage jackson, Daniel Cormier and other relevant names. And it doesn't stop there.
At the top of the world, 'Bones' tried for years to move to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg). He lost a lot of time in his career to make history. And he did it again. In March 2023, he finished Cyryl Gane No. UFC 285 and wrote another great chapter of an unprecedented journey.
the farewell
Jones' last appearance in the octagon came in November 2024, when he put on a show and knocked out another legend: Stipe Miocic. With a spinning kick, the American reached 22 victories in the UFC and consolidated his name among the five fighters who won the most with the gloves of Dana White's company.
Didn’t face Tom Aspinall…
Jon Jones (left) in meeting with Tom aspinall (right). Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
The 'last dance' was with Miocic, which doesn't mean it wasn't controversial. After dealing with criticism for facing the former champion, who hadn't fought in four years, Jon Jones avoided any chance of facing Tom aspinall, until then interim champion and who was pursuing the dream of fighting for the linear title.
And the pressure came from all sides. Aspinall was carrying a 'duck' that signaled his escape. Dana said he had an agreement for the fight to happen, which did not materialize. A petition by fans had 200 thousand signatures asking the organization to strip the fighter of his title as champion. And it was not necessary.
Historical achievements
– Youngest champion in UFC history (23)
– Record for most title defenses in light heavyweight history, with 12 successful defenses
– 16 UFC title fight wins
– 20 fights without losing
– Two-division UFC champion
– 22 career UFC wins (5th most all-time)
It's goodbye. Now, it seems, it's final. The MMA world is sadder without him. It was a pleasure, Jon Jones!
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