Top 50 Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts About Jon Jones

Most people agree that one of the best mixed martial artists (MMA) of all time is Jon “Bones” Jones. Jones, who was born in Rochester, New York, on July 19, 1987, became well-known in the UFC very fast thanks to his distinctive blend of skill, technique, and originality in the octagon.

Jones, who is renowned for his long reach, unpredictable striking, and excellent wrestling, fought Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in 2011 to win the light heavyweight title, making history as the youngest UFC champion ever at the age of 23.

In the light heavyweight class, Jones dominated almost everyone. He defeated fighters like Lyoto Machida, Alexander Gustafsson, and Daniel Cormier on several occasions to successfully defend the title. He was a headache for opponents because of his versatility and unconventional use of moves like oblique kicks and spinning elbows.

Nonetheless, controversy has clouded Jones’ career. His otherwise brilliant career has been slightly marred by his repeated suspensions brought on by failing drug tests and legal troubles outside the cage. His skill and accomplishments inside the octagon are indisputable, despite these obstacles.

Jones declared his plan to advance to the heavyweight class in 2020, giving up the light heavyweight crown. The possibility of Jones participating in a new weight class brought another level of excitement to his legendary career, and fans eagerly anticipated his return to the octagon.

Here’s a look at the top 50 interesting and lesser-known facts about Jon Jones.

1. Youngest UFC Champion Ever

Jon Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history at the age of 23 when he defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua for the Light Heavyweight title at UFC 128.

2. His Nickname “Bones” Origin

The nickname “Bones” was given to him because of his long, lanky frame. While it was initially a reflection of his physique, it eventually became synonymous with his dominance inside the octagon.

3. Wrestling Background

Before his rise to MMA stardom, Jon Jones was a standout high school and junior college wrestler. He won a state championship in wrestling during his senior year of high school in New York.

4. Religious Beliefs

Jones is deeply religious and has often spoken about his Christian faith. He’s been known to post Bible verses and motivational scriptures on social media.

5. Family of Athletes

Jon Jones comes from an incredibly athletic family. His older brother, Arthur, was an NFL defensive lineman, and his younger brother, Chandler, is currently a star defensive end in the NFL.

6. Started Training in MMA to Provide for His Family

Jon began training in MMA while working as a bouncer and living out of his car with his then-girlfriend (now ex-fiancée), Jessie Moses. He started fighting professionally to support his family.

7. College Dropout

Jones attended Iowa Central Community College, where he won a national JUCO (junior college) wrestling title, but he dropped out to pursue a career in MMA.

8. Passion for Animals

Jones has a well-documented love for animals, particularly dogs. Over the years, he has posted photos of himself with pets and has expressed interest in animal welfare.

9. Reach Advantage

One of the key factors in Jon Jones’ fighting success is his unprecedented reach. With an 84.5-inch reach, Jones holds one of the longest reaches in UFC history, giving him a significant advantage over most opponents.

10. Record-Breaking Title Defenses

Jones holds the record for the most successful title defenses in UFC light heavyweight history, a testament to his dominance over the division for nearly a decade.

11. Never Truly Defeated

While Jon Jones technically has one loss on his record, it came via disqualification in a fight against Matt Hamill for illegal elbows. He was dominating the fight before the DQ and has never been beaten outright in a fight.

12. Cross-Trained in Other Martial Arts

Jones’ fighting style is unique due to his cross-training in various disciplines, including Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and boxing. His unorthodox techniques and creativity inside the cage have made him one of the most versatile fighters.

13. Drug Test Controversies

Jones’ career has been marked by several controversies, including multiple failed drug tests. He was stripped of his UFC Light Heavyweight title multiple times, making his legacy a mix of brilliance and scandal.

14. Arrested Several Times

Outside the cage, Jon has had several run-ins with the law. He has been arrested for various offenses, including DUI, hit-and-run, and gun-related incidents. These incidents have impacted his reputation and career.

15. Had a Rough Childhood

Jon Jones grew up in a humble household with strict Christian values. Despite a strong family structure, he faced bullying in school, partly because of his skinny frame and lanky appearance.

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16. Creative Striking

One of Jones’ most impressive attributes is his creativity when it comes to striking. From spinning elbows to oblique kicks, Jones often employs techniques that other fighters rarely use.

17. MMA Debut After Only Three Months of Training

Unlike many fighters who train for years before making their professional debut, Jones entered the world of professional MMA after just three months of training.

18. Once Wanted to Become a Police Officer

Before pursuing MMA, Jones expressed interest in a career as a police officer. He even considered enrolling in the police academy.

19. Practices Meditation

Jones has openly discussed the importance of mental strength and focus in his fighting career. He practices meditation to stay centered and control his emotions.

20. Has a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Despite his dominant grappling in the octagon, Jones holds only a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, showing that formal ranks don’t always dictate in-cage performance.

21. Overcame Anxiety

In interviews, Jones has shared that he struggles with performance anxiety before his fights. He often listens to music and meditates to calm his nerves before stepping into the octagon.

22. Respects Anderson Silva

Jones has often expressed admiration for Brazilian MMA legend Anderson Silva, once calling him his “MMA hero.”

23. First Fight in the UFC was a Decision Win

Jones made his UFC debut on August 9, 2008, at UFC 87, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Andre Gusmão.

24. Homeschooling Advocate

Jones and his then-fiancée, Jessie Moses, chose to homeschool their children. Jones has expressed that he feels homeschooling provides them with a more personal education.

25. Once Saved a Mugging Victim

Jon Jones and his team once thwarted a mugging just hours before his title fight against Mauricio Rua. Jones chased down and detained the thief until police arrived.

26. Huge Philanthropist

Though often overshadowed by his controversies, Jones has given back to the community in various ways, including supporting local charities, helping the homeless, and donating money to youth programs.

27. Inspired by Muhammad Ali

Jones has stated that one of his biggest inspirations is Muhammad Ali. Like Ali, Jones sees himself as a fighter who has faced both immense success and immense criticism.

28. Has Fought with a Torn Ligament

Jon fought his UFC 197 bout against Ovince Saint Preux with a partially torn ligament in his foot, showcasing his determination and willingness to push through injuries.

29. Got His First Tattoo at 20

Jones’ chest tattoo, which reads “Philippians 4:13,” is a tribute to his faith. He got the tattoo when he was 20 years old, shortly after turning pro.

30. Prefers Grappling over Striking

Despite his striking skills, Jones has expressed a preference for grappling and wrestling. His wrestling background plays a crucial role in his fighting style.

31. Nearly Fought Heavyweight Earlier in His Career

Though primarily known for his dominance in the light heavyweight division, Jones has long flirted with the idea of moving up to heavyweight. He came close to making the move several times before officially bulking up to compete in the division.

32. Won Six Fights in His First Year as a Pro

In his first year as a professional fighter (2008), Jones fought six times, winning every fight and quickly gaining recognition as a rising star.

33. Once Refereed an MMA Fight

Jones has also served as a guest referee for a local MMA event in New York before his UFC career took off.

34. Had a Tumultuous Relationship with UFC President Dana White

Jones and UFC President Dana White have had a love-hate relationship. While White has lauded Jones as one of the greatest fighters, they have often clashed over contract negotiations and Jones’ personal issues.

35. Jones Uses Visualization Techniques

Jones often speaks about the importance of visualization in his training. He imagines how fights will unfold, how he will land strikes, and how to react to different situations in the octagon.

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36. Volunteered at Church Before Fights

Jones has often volunteered at his local church before major fights, helping with community service projects as a way to give back and stay grounded.

37. Avid Chess Player

Beyond fighting, Jones enjoys playing chess. He believes it helps with strategic thinking, which he applies inside the octagon.

38. Defeated UFC Hall of Famers

Over the course of his career, Jon Jones has defeated several fighters who have since been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, including Daniel Cormier, Quinton Jackson, and Lyoto Machida.

39. First UFC Fighter Sponsored by Nike

In 2012, Jones became the first UFC fighter to sign a global endorsement deal with Nike. This was a significant milestone, showing how marketable he had become.

40. Superstitious About Fight Shorts

Jones is known to be somewhat superstitious about his fight gear. He has worn the same type of fight shorts for most of his career, feeling they bring him luck.

41. Never Misses Weight

Despite being one of the taller and more physically imposing light heavyweights, Jones has never missed weight for a fight, showcasing his dedication to preparation and discipline.

42. Has Been Targeted by Other Fighters

Given his dominance, it’s no surprise that Jones has had several fighters call him out over the years. Some notable names include Brock Lesnar, Israel Adesanya, and Francis Ngannou.

43. Longest Winning Streak in Light Heavyweight History

Jones holds the record for the longest winning streak in UFC light heavyweight history, further solidifying his place as one of the sport’s greats.

44. His Favorite Move is the Spinning Elbow

One of Jones’ signature moves is his spinning back elbow, a technique he has used with great effectiveness throughout his career. It’s both devastating and unpredictable, adding another layer to his striking arsenal.

45. Once Recruited by the WWE

Due to his charisma and fighting ability, Jones was once approached by the WWE to explore a potential career in professional wrestling. However, Jones declined the offer, choosing to focus on MMA.

46. Has an MMA Legend as His Mentor

Greg Jackson, one of the most respected coaches in MMA, has been Jones’ mentor throughout his career. Jackson’s strategic guidance has played a vital role in Jones’ success.

47. Nearly Competed in the Olympics

Before his MMA career took off, Jones contemplated trying out for the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. However, he chose to focus on MMA, a decision that paid off immensely.

48. Views Fighting as a Chess Match

Jones often compares MMA to a game of chess. He values outthinking his opponent as much as physically defeating them, which is why his approach in the octagon is so methodical and calculated.

49. Was a Straight-A Student in School

Despite his wild persona in the MMA world, Jones was a straight-A student in high school, showcasing his intelligence and ability to focus on academics.

50. Legacy as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time)

Despite his controversies, Jones is frequently regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time. His unparalleled skill set, dominance, and fight IQ make it hard for many to argue otherwise.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, one of the most nuanced and captivating personalities in athletics is Jon Jones. His MMA accomplishments speak for themselves, but his background, personal life, and distinct personality give his tale more nuance. These 50 little-known details about Jon Jones provide insight on his accomplishments as well as the difficulties and complexities that have influenced his path. There’s no disputing that Jon Jones is one of the most captivating athletes in mixed martial arts history, regardless of whether you find his controversies intriguing or admire his physical prowess.