The new UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones reminded everyone just how dominant he can be. At UFC 285, Jon “Bones” Jones (27-1-0) defeated Ciryl Gane (11-2-0) in quick order. But does that fight make our list of the top fights in his legendary career?
Counting Down the Top 10 Jon Jones Fights
Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson (UFC 165)
The 2013 UFC 165 bout between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson is widely considered as one of the greatest fights in UFC history. The five-round war saw Gustafsson take the champion Jones to his limits, but Jones ultimately retained his light heavyweight title via unanimous decision in a thrilling fight.
Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier 1 (UFC 182)
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The 2015 UFC 182 bout between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier was a highly-anticipated showdown for the light heavyweight title, fueled by a heated rivalry between the two fighters. In a hard-fought battle, Jones emerged victorious via unanimous decision, further cementing his status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
Jon Jones vs Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (UFC 128)
The 2011 UFC 128 bout between Jon Jones and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was Jones’ first title fight in the UFC. Jones dominated the legendary Rua from start to finish, winning via TKO in the third round to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion at just 23 years old.
Jon Jones vs Lyoto Machida (UFC 140)
The 2011 UFC 140 bout between Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida saw Jones defend his light heavyweight title against the former champion. Jones dominated Machida throughout the fight, eventually finishing him with a standing guillotine choke in the second round to retain his title and further solidify his status as a dominant champion.
Jon Jones vs Vitor Belfort (UFC 152)
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The 2012 UFC 152 bout between Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort saw Jones defend his light heavyweight title against the former champion. While Belfort posed an early threat, Jones weathered the storm and ultimately won via submission in the fourth round, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and resilience as a champion.
Jon Jones vs Thiago Santos (UFC 239)
The 2019 UFC 239 bout between Jon Jones and Thiago Santos saw Jones defend his light heavyweight title against the dangerous striker. While Santos pushed Jones to his limits and landed some significant strikes, Jones was able to edge out a split decision victory in a close and competitive fight.
Jon Jones vs Anthony Smith (UFC 235)
The 2019 UFC 235 bout between Jon Jones and Anthony Smith saw Jones defend his light heavyweight title against the challenger. Jones dominated Smith for five rounds, showcasing his superior striking and grappling skills en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Jon Jones vs Glover Teixeira (UFC 172)
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The 2014 UFC 172 bout between Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira saw Jones defend his light heavyweight title against the Brazilian challenger. Jones showcased his superior striking and grappling skills throughout the fight, ultimately winning via unanimous decision to retain his title and continue his dominant reign as champion.
Jon Jones vs Ryan Bader (UFC 126)
The 2011 UFC 126 bout between Jon Jones and Ryan Bader was a battle between two up-and-coming light heavyweight contenders. Jones emerged victorious via second-round submission with a guillotine choke, further establishing himself as a rising star in the division and setting the stage for his eventual championship run.
Jon Jones vs Chael Sonnen (UFC 159)
The 2013 UFC 159 bout between Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen saw Jones defend his light heavyweight title against the trash-talking challenger. Jones dominated Sonnen from start to finish, winning via TKO in the first round to retain his title and silence any critics who had doubted his dominance as champion.
