It was March 19, 2011, and Jon Jones was entering the octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for his very first light heavyweight title shot against Brazilian mixed martial arts legend Maurício 'Shogun' Rua.
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He had earned the right to challenge for the title after the absolutely dominating performance he had put on against Ryan Bader at UFC 126, where he took home the Submission of the Night bonus. Originally, Rashad Evans was slated to fight in the main event but a knee injury kept him from competing.
The fight was one that would propel Jones to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. At just 23 years old, Jon Jones showed the world the true extent of his talent, leaving Shogun completely defenceless and overwhelmed by the American’s power and strength.
In the third round, Jon Jones officially became the youngest champion in the history of UFC, being awarded the decision via TKO. This victory marked the beginning for one of the best fighters of all time.
Jon ‘Bones' Jones
Despite numerous run-ins with the law, he's always found a way back to the top (picograms, right?). Even after his most recent March 26 DWI arrest, he currently holds the UFC Light Heavyweight belt.
His record includes a win over Daniel Cormier (and one no contest), two against Alexander Gustafsson as well as victories against Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Lyoto Machida and most recently Dominick Reyes. He still is yet to be beaten cleanly in his professional MMA career.
Jon Jones is, without question, one of the GOATs of MMA.
