When Jon Jones was 23 years old, he became the UFC light heavyweight champion which made him the youngest belt holder in the history of the UFC. Now, he reigns as the heavyweight king and is rumored to have a fight with interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall. Jones might not be a favorite fighter among fans, but his accomplishments are not to be ignored. Jones has 15 title victories which are the most in UFC history and would have 11 consecutive title defenses if he were not stripped of the belt due to controversy.
Jones has also never lost a fight, but he has been disqualified due to an illegal move against Matt Hamill and many debate the fact of whether he lost to Dominick Reyes and Alexander Gustafsson. However, many UFC legends have lost to Jones, including Daniel Cormier, Quinton Jackson, and recently Stipe Miocic.
The legacy of Jon’s has not been easy, Jon has been at the center of many controversies that have left a permanent mark on his reputation as a fighter.
From multiple failed drug tests to legal issues outside of the octagon, Jon is not a new face when it comes to controversy. Jones has tested positive for his use of banned substances which has led to multiple suspensions. Jones has also been arrested multiple times including a DUI, hit and run incidents, and domestic issues. While his actions outside of the cage have tarnished his personal reputation, his accomplishments inside of the octagon are to not be denied and many still view him as the greatest pure fighter in UFC history.
The president of the UFC, Dana White, when asked about Jon, said, “I consider Jon Jones the greatest combat fighter of all time.” When the president even agrees that Jon Jones is the greatest fighter of all time that has got to mean something. Jon Jones’ career is one of brilliance and controversy, but when it comes to his fighting ability, no one in the UFC has accomplished what he has done. Jones’ skill set, his longevity, and dominance over multiple generations and a move to heavyweight is what makes him considered the greatest UFC fighter of all time in the sport.
Even with stars like Demetrious Johnson and George St-Pierre, who many consider the goat of the UFC, people still lean on Jones and his accolades to describe him as the best fighter ever. Even as new stars emerge in the UFC today, Jones’ name will always be in the conversation of the greatest. While the debate of truly being the greatest fighter in the UFC is always discussed, Jones has the most complete resume, the longest reign, and the most elite wins, which makes a majority consider him the greatest fighter of all time. Whether Jon Jones retires today or fights again, his impact on MMA and on the UFC is significant.
