Jonathan Jones (born July 19, 1987) is an undefeated American mixed martial arts fighter. He currently fights as a light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and trains with Team BombSquad out of Cortland, New York. Along with Lyoto Machida and Georges St. Pierre, Jon Jones is considered to be the future of mixed martial arts. [1]
Biography
Jon Jones was born in Rochester, New York, although he was raised in Endicott, New York and considers it to be his hometown.[2] His two brothers, Arthur and Chandler, are defensive linemen at Syracuse University. After the 2008 season, Arthur made the All-Big East Conference First Team and was an All-America candidate.[3] Jon was a 2005 state wrestling champion while a senior at Union-Endicott High School, and a national Junior College Champion at Iowa Central Community College where he earned his Associate's degree.[4] Jones planned on getting a higher degree in Criminal Justice and pursuing a career in Law Enforcement, but after spending a semester in Morrisville State College,[5] he signed a four-fight contract with the UFC, making him the youngest UFC fighter on roster at that time.[6]
UFC career
Jon Jones' debut UFC fight was against Andre Gusmao at UFC 87 on August 9, 2008. Jones took the fight on three weeks notice as a late replacement for Tomasz Drwal. He put on an impressive performance using takedowns and unorthodox striking including some flashier moves such as spinning elbows and a spinning back kick. Even though he came into the fight widely regarded as a heavy underdog, Jones was rewarded with a unanimous decision victory.[7][8]
In his second fight, Jones fought veteran Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94 on January 31, 2009. Jones showed superior wrestling abilities and made Bonnar the victim of many strong takedowns and powerful throws including a suplex. Again showing unorthodox striking, Jones dropped Bonnar with a spinning back elbow in the first round. Although he appeared to tire in the third round, Jones held on to win another unanimous decision victory.[9][10]
His third fight was against Jake O'Brien at UFC 100[11]. He won in the 2nd round by submission (d'arce choke).
Personal life
Jon Jones is engaged and has a daughter named Leah, who was born on July 11, 2008. He believes that being in a committed relationship helps him stay focused on his training.[2] The couple is expecting their second child. [12]
Mixed martial arts record
| 9 matches | 9 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 5 | 0 |
| By submission | 2 | 0 |
| By decision | 2 | 0 |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 9-0 |  Jake O'Brien
|
Submission (Guillotine Choke) | UFC 100: Lesnar vs. Mir 2 | July 11, 2009 | 2 | 2:43 | Las Vegas, Nevada
|
| Win | 8-0 | Stephan Bonnar
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 94: St-Pierre vs. Penn 2 | January 31, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada
|
| Win | 7-0 |  Andre Gusmao
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 87: Seek and Destroy | August 9, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
| Win | 6-0 | Moyses Gabin
|
TKO (Punches) | Battle Cage Xtreme 5 | July 12, 2008 | 2 | 1:58 | Atlantic City, New Jersey
|
| Win | 5-0 | Parker Porter
|
KO (Punch) | World Championship Fighting 3 | June 20, 2008 | 1 | 0:36 | Wilmington, Massachusetts
|
| Win | 4-0 | Ryan Verrett
|
TKO (Punches) | USFL - War in the Woods 3 | May 9, 2008 | 1 | 2:58 | Ledyard, Connecticut
|
| Win | 3-0 | Anthony Pina
|
Submission (Guillotine Choke) | Ice Fighters | April 25, 2008 | 1 | 1:15 | Worcester, Massachusetts
|
| Win | 2-0 | Carlos Eduardo
|
KO (Punch) | Battle Cage Xtreme 4 | April 19, 2008 | 1 | 4:36 | Atlantic City, New Jersey
|
| Win | 1-0 | Brad Bernard
|
TKO (Punches) | FFP - Untamed 20 | April 12, 2008 | 1 | 1:32 | Foxborough, Massachusetts
|
References
- ^ http://mmajunkie.com/news/15381/as-ufc-100-bout-with-michael-bisping-nears-theres-no-slowing-down-dan-henderson.mma
- ^ a b "Jon Jones grounded in reality heading into UFC 94". MMAJunkie.com. 2009-01-29. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ "BIG EAST Announces 2008 Postseason Football Honors". 2008-12-10. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ http://www.ufc.com/JonJones
- ^ http://www.d3wrestle.com/?p=141
- ^ "Less than four months into MMA career, Jon Jones ready for UFC 87 debut". MMAJunkie.com. 2008-07-31. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ "UFC 87 'Seek and Destroy' Play by Play". Sherdog.com. 2009-09-09. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ "For Jon Jones, upset victory proved he belongs in UFC". MMAJunkie.com. 2008-08-16. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ "St. Pierre Stops Penn After Fourth". Sherdog.com. 2009-01-31. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ "Penn quits before final round, St. Pierre keeps belt at UFC 94". MMAJunkie.com. 2009-02-01. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ "UFC® 100". Ufc.com. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
- ^ "Jon "Bones" Jones winning and learning in UFC". Slam! Wrestling. 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-04.