Jon Jones is a name that echoes throughout the world of mixed martial arts. Known for his incredible reach, tactical genius, and record-breaking achievements, “Bones” has dominated the UFC for over a decade. Let’s break down everything you need to know about Jon Jones, from his personal life to his legendary career, earnings, and more.
Jon Jones’ Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Jonathan Dwight Jones |
| Nickname(s) | Bones, Sexual Chocolate |
| Date of Birth | July 19, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Place of Birth | Rochester, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Height | 6’4″ (1.93 m) |
| College | Iowa Central Community College |
| Religion | Christian |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth | $18 million |
| Salary (Recent) | Up to $5 million base per fight |
| Spouse/Partner | Jessie Moses (fiancée) |
| Relationship Status | Engaged (longtime partner) |
| Children | Four daughters: Leah, Carmen, Olivia, 1 more, one son |
| Instagram Profile | @jonnybones |
Early Career
Jon Jones was a standout wrestler at Union-Endicott High School and went on to win a national junior college wrestling championship at Iowa Central Community College. Financial constraints and the arrival of his first child led him to leave college and pursue MMA.
He made his professional debut in 2008, quickly amassing a 6-0 record in just three months, finishing all his opponents and catching the UFC’s attention.
Professional Career
Jones debuted in the UFC in 2008, immediately impressing with his unique style and athleticism. In 2011, at just 23, he became the youngest champion in UFC history by defeating Maurício “Shogun” Rua. He went on to dominate the light heavyweight division, defending his title against legends like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, and Daniel Cormier.
Despite setbacks due to suspensions and controversies, Jones reclaimed his title multiple times. In 2023, he moved up to heavyweight, capturing the title against Ciryl Gane and defending it against Stipe Miocic. Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters ever, holding records for most title defenses and wins in his division.
Jon Jones’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jon Jones’ net worth is estimated at $18 million. This figure reflects his fight purses, pay-per-view shares, endorsements, and investments. His net worth has grown steadily, especially after his move to the heavyweight division and high-profile title fights.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Date | Base Salary | PPV Share | Bonus | Sponsorship | Total Earnings |
| Andre Gusmao | UFC 87 | 08/09/2008 | $6,000 | – | – | – | $12,000 |
| Stephan Bonnar | UFC 94 | 01/31/2009 | $7,000 | – | – | – | $14,000 |
| Matt Hamill | TUF 10 Finale | 12/05/2009 | $20,000 | – | – | – | $20,000 |
| Ryan Bader | UFC 126 | 02/05/2011 | $70,000 | – | $75,000 | – | $215,000 |
| Quinton Jackson | UFC 135 | 09/24/2011 | $200,000 | $440,000 | $75,000 | – | $715,000 |
| Rashad Evans | UFC 145 | 04/21/2012 | $400,000 | $850,000 | – | – | $1,250,000 |
| Daniel Cormier | UFC 182 | 01/03/2015 | $500,000 | $1,100,000 | $50,000 | – | $1,650,000 |
| Alexander Gustafsson | UFC 232 | 12/29/2018 | $500,000 | $850,000 | – | $30,000 | $1,380,000 |
| Ciryl Gane | UFC 285 | 03/04/2023 | $2,000,000 | $1,450,000 | $50,000 | $42,000 | $3,542,000 |
| Stipe Miocic | UFC 309 | 11/16/2024 | $5,000,000 | $600,000 | $50,000 | $42,000 | $6,292,000 |
Endorsements
- Nike (first MMA athlete to sign a global deal and have a signature shoe)
- Reebok (deal terminated after legal issues)
- GAT Supplements (signed after UFC reinstatement)
- Monster Energy
- Gatorade
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date | Method |
| Maurício “Shogun” Rua | Win | UFC 128 | 03/19/2011 | TKO (Knees & Punches) |
| Quinton “Rampage” Jackson | Win | UFC 135 | 09/24/2011 | Submission (RNC) |
| Lyoto Machida | Win | UFC 140 | 12/10/2011 | Submission (Guillotine) |
| Rashad Evans | Win | UFC 145 | 04/21/2012 | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Vitor Belfort | Win | UFC 152 | 09/22/2012 | Submission (Americana) |
| Chael Sonnen | Win | UFC 159 | 04/27/2013 | TKO (Elbows & Punches) |
| Alexander Gustafsson | Win | UFC 165, 232 | 09/21/2013, 12/29/2018 | Decision (Unanimous), TKO (Punches) |
| Daniel Cormier | Win/NC | UFC 182, 214 | 01/03/2015, 07/29/2017 | Decision (Unanimous), KO (Head Kick, overturned to NC) |
| Anthony Smith | Win | UFC 235 | 03/02/2019 | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Thiago Santos | Win | UFC 239 | 07/06/2019 | Decision (Split) |
| Dominick Reyes | Win | UFC 247 | 02/08/2020 | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Ciryl Gane | Win | UFC 285 | 03/04/2023 | Submission (Guillotine) |
| Stipe Miocic | Win | UFC 309 | 11/16/2024 | TKO (Punches) |
FAQs
1. Who is Jon Jones?
Jon Jones is an American former professional mixed martial artist, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. He competed from 2008 to 2025, holding titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
2. What records does Jon Jones hold in the UFC?
Jon Jones holds numerous UFC records, including most wins in UFC title fights (16), most successful title defenses (12), most UFC title fights (17), youngest champion in UFC history (23 years, 243 days), and the longest unbeaten streak (20 fights).
3. When did Jon Jones become the youngest UFC champion?
Jon Jones became the youngest UFC champion at age 23 by defeating Maurício Rua for the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 in March 2011.
4. What is Jon Jones’s professional MMA record?
Jon Jones’s professional MMA record includes 29 fights, with his only official loss being a controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill. He was never stopped or outscored in his career.
5. Has Jon Jones ever been stripped of his UFC title?
Yes, Jon Jones was stripped of his UFC title three times due to disciplinary actions, including a felony hit-and-run incident and multiple failed drug tests.
6. What controversies has Jon Jones been involved in?
Jon Jones has faced several controversies, such as a felony hit-and-run involving a pregnant woman, multiple positive tests for banned substances, and incidents involving traffic violations and altercations.
7. What are some of Jon Jones’s most notable fights?
Notable fights include victories over Maurício Rua, Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Ciryl Gane. His fight with Gustafsson at UFC 165 is considered one of the greatest in MMA history.
8. What was Jon Jones’s last fight?
Jon Jones’s last fight was a heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, following his return and title win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
9. Did Jon Jones have a background in wrestling before MMA?
Yes, before his MMA career, Jon Jones was a highly successful amateur wrestler, winning the NJCAA National Championship in 2006 and being named an All-American.
10. Is Jon Jones in the UFC Hall of Fame?
Yes, Jon Jones is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, recognized for his achievements and impact on the sport.