Inside the Octagon, Jon Jones will go down as one of the greatest Mixed Martial Artists of all time.Many were anticipating big things after a successful UFC debut against André Gusmão.‘Bones’ would go on to defeat the likes of Stephan Bonnar, Brandon Vera, Vladimir Matyushenko and Ryan Bader before earning a title shot against MaurÃcio Rua.Rua was defending his belt for the first and had a lot more experience inside the octagon compared to Jones.However, in typical Jones fashion, he would walk Rua down and test him. Eventually, Jones defeated Rua and became the youngest ever UFC champion.Jon would go on to successfully defend the belt for the first time against Quinton Jackson, before fighting Lyoto Machida,Jones has had many spectacular performances during his illustrious career. However, the fight against Machida will go down as one of his most impressive.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Jon Jones in his fight against Dominick Reyes in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on February 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Leading up to the finish, Jones faked a kick and threw a left hand that dropped Machida.By the time Lyoto got up, Jones had the Brazilian in a headlock position. From immediate viewing, you could tell that Jones had the choke and that it was tight.He would soon go on the submit Machida with a standing guillotine, before falling to the floor.Machida, like Rua, was heavily experienced and had several bouts in the UFC leading up to the showdown with Jones. However, ‘Bones’ would show just how good he is and live up to the hype.
He would then go on to defeat the likes of Rashad Evans, Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen, Alexander Gustafsson, Glover Teixeira and Daniel Cormier.
Personal issues affected Jones when it came to wanting to compete regularly inside the ring.
After the second fight with Cormier, he’d have to wait over a year before fighting again.
On his return, he would beat Gustafsson for a second time to win the vacant light heavyweight title.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 06: Jon Jones of the United States looks on prior to his UFC Light Heavyweight Title bout against Thiago Santos of Brazil at T-Mobile Arena on July 06, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones defeated Santos by decision. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
He would then defeat Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes . The fight with Reyes in 2020 was Jones’ last inside the octagon.
As of right now, he is looking to move up to heavyweight. There are early whispers of a potential showdown with the former heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic, later this year.
Despite all the drama outside of the cage, when Jones was competing, he was quite simply breathtaking to watch.