The 16 Greatest Jon Jones UFC Fights of All Time

Jon Jones has delivered some of the most jaw-dropping performances in UFC history — dominating champions, surviving wars, and rewriting the record books. Which fight was his best?

1

vs. Anthony Johnson

A 2015 UFC 187 return that showcased Jones' complete skill set in a dominant title defense victory.

1000pts

2

vs. Alexander Gustafsson I

An epic 2013 UFC 165 war widely considered the greatest light heavyweight title fight ever, with Jones surviving a serious challenge.

984pts

3

vs. Shogun Rua

Jones' dominant 2011 UFC 128 performance that shocked the world and crowned him the youngest UFC champion at 23.

984pts

4

vs. Rashad Evans

A highly anticipated 2012 grudge match at UFC 145 between former best friends turned bitter rivals, with Jones winning by unanimous decision.

933pts

5

vs. Lyoto Machida

Jones' 2011 UFC 140 title defense where he finished the former champion with a spectacular standing guillotine choke.

914pts

6

vs. Ciryl Gane

Jones' devastating heavyweight debut at UFC 285 in 2023, claiming the vacant title with a first-round submission win.

799pts

7

vs. Vitor Belfort

Jones' 2012 UFC 152 title defense against the dangerous Brazilian knockout artist in a high-stakes bout.

799pts

8

vs. Chael Sonnen

A 2013 UFC 159 title defense where Jones dominated the trash-talking Sonnen, finishing him with a TKO.

799pts

9

vs. Matt Hamill

A 2009 fight where Jones dominated but was controversially DQ'd for illegal elbows, one of the sport's most debated outcomes.

799pts

10

vs. Thiago Santos

A 2019 UFC 239 thriller where Jones narrowly escaped against a Santos who fought on two torn knee ligaments.

727pts

11

vs. Alexander Gustafsson II

Jones' 2018 UFC 232 rematch where he stopped Gustafsson in the third round to reclaim the light heavyweight title.

727pts

12

vs. Daniel Cormier I

The long-awaited 2015 grudge match at UFC 182 between bitter rivals, with Jones defending his title convincingly.

639pts

13

vs. Dominick Reyes

A controversial 2020 UFC 247 decision that many believe Reyes won, showcasing Jones' ability to survive adversity.

639pts

14

vs. Ryan Bader

Jones' 2011 title defense where he handled the highly regarded Bader with relative ease, proving his dominance.

639pts

15

vs. Glover Teixeira

A dominant 2014 UFC 172 title defense where Jones controlled the entire fight against a dangerous challenger.

533pts

16

vs. Stipe Miocic

Jones' 2024 heavyweight title defense against legendary champion Stipe Miocic, cementing his legacy across two weight classes.

533pts