Jon Jones may just be another kid from New York, but what defines him are his accomplishments and persona that have landed the 23-year-old a place amongst the best in the world in mixed martial arts. He is the current Light Heavyweight UFC Champion after winning the belt from Mauricio “Shogun” Rua this past March and is currently the youngest champion in UFC history.
When defining a champion, one has to look at a few factors.
By sheer numbers, your opponents you fought play a role, as well as the means in which you came out victorious. Beyond the arena, fans and critics alike look at a fighter’s character and demeanor to determine if they act like a champion.
Lastly, after winning the title, many believe that in order to be considered a “true” champion, you must defend your title at least once. The UFC Light Heavyweight division is one that has proven to be very difficult to stay on top of. No champion in the division since 2007 has won the title and then successfully defended it against their next opponent (a different one in Lyoto Machida’s case).
In less than five years, the belt has gone to seven different people. Time will tell if he will be the one to break the trend and continue to hold the belt, but from what he has shown us so far, it is not as implausible as one might believe.
Number of People To Hold Title in Last 5 Years
Heavyweight: 4
Light Heavyweight: 7
Middleweight: 1
Welterweight: 3
Lightweight: 3
When you look at the defining features of a champion, it very much reflects the fighter that Jonny “Bones” Jones has become. From his unorthodox striking to his humble nature, he truly represents the sport well. His friendly nature, spirituality and athleticism are nothing short of inspiring for other fighters.
Jones says that watching other 23-years-olds become successful in this sport motivated him, and it helped him believe in himself. Inadvertently or not, he has become that role model himself.
The tattoo he dons on his chest says it all: “Philippians 4:13” which means, “I can do all things through Christ whom strengthens me.” Religious fans or not, he sets a great example for many. Because of his talents and overall demeanor, he becomes a great ambassador for the sport as well.
For an individual who has climbed the ladder so quickly, he remains full of energy and drive. His fighting is something to behold, after getting past the humble personality. Currently having the longest arm-reach in UFC history, his unorthodox striking mixed with his experience in wrestling creates a very well-rounded fighter after factoring in his continuing study of jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai.
His creativeness in the cage has proven to many to be an enigma on how to handle the 6’4’’ Jones. Currently with the record of 13 wins and one loss, he has skyrocketed himself onto the pound-for-pound top-10 lists and will surely climb the ranks as time goes on.
More bewildering than anything, Jones is nowhere close to his ability summit. Many people can build their legacy to a point, but Jones is a carpenter with a shopping spree to Home Depot.
Whether his next fight is taking on Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Phil Davis or any other top contender, his legacy will once again continue to build toward one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
Where people whose abilities are described as “the sky’s the limit, Jonny “Bones” Jones has the potential to break free of the atmosphere.
EPISODE ONE of “Defining a Champion” Series: Jon Jones
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