Jon Jones’ Five Greatest UFC Victories So Far
Jon Jones is already seen as the greatest fighter of all time by so many – and when you take one look at his body of work, it’s not hard to see why.
The man known as ‘Bones’ has accomplished some wonderful things in the sport of mixed martial arts. Of course, even at the age of 37, he’s still chasing greatness, which is why he’ll be defending his UFC heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic this weekend.
Prior to that, though, we want to take a step back and really embrace some of Jon Jones’ finest moments.
Note: while it was an incredible finish, Jon’s second win over Daniel Cormier will not be included as a result of it being overturned to a no contest.
Jon Jones’ Top Five UFC Wins
5. Alexander Gustafsson 2 – UFC 232
When Jon Jones returned to the cage after a year and a half away in December 2018, many wondered how he was going to fare against one of his toughest opponents ever – Alexander Gustafsson. Alas, they had no need to worry, as Jones controlled and dominated his Swedish counterpart before finishing him off with strikes in the third round. Emphatic.
4. Vitor Belfort – UFC 152
It was always known heading into this fight that Vitor Belfort was going to be dangerous. As it turns out, he came closer to submitting Jon Jones than anyone ever has. Belfort had a nasty armbar locked in, but somehow, Jon escaped. From there, the champion went to work, eventually managing to submit the Brazilian in the fourth round of their epic encounter.
3. Lyoto Machida – UFC 140
It was never going to be easy going up against someone as iconic as Lyoto Machida. In fact, throughout the two rounds that this fight lasted, Machida was having some success against the youngster. In the end, though, Jones did what he always does which is win – and he did so by choking Lyoto unconscious with a nasty standing guillotine choke.
2. Alexander Gustafsson 1 – UFC 165
Unlike their rematch, Jon Jones really had to dig deep in order to grind out a win in this one. Alexander Gustafsson pushed the GOAT to the limit and had him hurt pretty badly, with Jon looking like he’d been in a car accident in the immediate aftermath of the bout. Alas, when it was all said and done, Jones just about managed to pick up a decision victory.
1. Mauricio Rua – UFC 128
Jon Jones knew how big of a challenge it was to face Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua for the UFC light heavyweight championship back in 2011. When you watch the fight, though, you probably wouldn’t realise that. It took him less than three rounds to take apart and finish Rua, and in doing so, he became the youngest world champion in the history of the UFC.
