Jon Jones’ Greatest Fights: When ‘Bones’ Went Full Beast Mode

When you think of Jon Jones, it’s impossible to ignore the moments that solidified him as the greatest of all time in MMA. His career is a highlight reel of jaw-dropping moves, brutal finishes, and legendary battles that have cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. From the moment he burst onto the scene, Jon Jones has been the fighter everyone loves to hate… and can’t look away from. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of Bones’ greatest fights, including those that turned rivals into history, like Daniel Cormier, and his iconic finishes over legends like Shogun Rua and Lyoto Machida.

Jones vs. Daniel Cormier: A Rivalry for the Ages

If Jon Jones had a nemesis, it was Daniel Cormier. These two fought not once, but twice, and each time, it was pure UFC drama. Their first encounter at UFC 182 was a masterclass in mental warfare. The buildup to the fight was legendary—both fighters had some serious bad blood, and it showed in the octagon. Jones, using his unorthodox striking and clinch control, was able to outclass DC in nearly every aspect of the fight. After five rounds, Bones retained his light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory.

But the rivalry didn’t end there. Jones vs. Cormier II at UFC 214 was nothing short of thrilling. Jones was handed a temporary suspension before this fight, and many thought that Cormier would walk away with the belt. But Jon Jones shocked everyone with a brutal head-kick knockout that made DC go stiff as a board, sending the fans into a frenzy. The win was later overturned due to a drug test failure, but it didn’t diminish the shock and awe of the moment.

Jon Jones vs. Shogun Rua: The Rise of a New Champion

Before all the drama with DC, Jon Jones made history when he became the youngest fighter ever to win a UFC title. At UFC 128, Jones faced the legendary Maurício “Shogun” Rua, a man many thought would dominate the young star. But what followed was a clinic in striking and strategy. Bones took Rua to school, completely dismantling him with an array of elbows, spinning backfists, and vicious ground-and-pound. By the third round, the fight was over, and Jones had claimed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The speed, the skill, and the creativity in this performance were the things legends are made of.

Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida: The Elbow Heard ‘Round the World

Next, let’s talk about Lyoto Machida—a fighter known for his elusive style and brilliant counter-striking. Going into their fight at UFC 140, many thought Machida’s ability to avoid damage would give him a chance to outsmart Jones. But no one expected Jones’ ability to take Machida’s best and still land some of the most brutal strikes in MMA history. The fight ended with Jones landing an absolutely devastating standing guillotine choke that forced Machida to go unconscious. The moment where Jones cinched the choke and the former champion went limp was a defining snapshot of just how unstoppable Jon Jones could be.

What Defines His Legacy?

These three fights—Jones vs. Cormier, Jones vs. Shogun, and Jones vs. Machida—showcase the variety of weapons in Jon Jones’ arsenal. What really defines his legacy, though, is his ability to adapt. Whether it’s out-striking a legend like Shogun, dominating in the clinch against DC, or finishing a master technician like Machida, Jon Jones proves time and again that he’s not just a fighter—he’s a strategist, a technician, and a chess player in the octagon.

Through these epic battles, Bones has not just proven that he’s a champion—he’s proved that he’s the kind of fighter who doesn’t just win. He defies expectations. And that’s what makes him one of the greatest to ever do it. The UFC will always have memorable moments, but Jon Jones’ greatest fights will forever be burned into the annals of MMA history. So, next time someone asks why Jon Jones is a legend, just show them the tape. It speaks for itself.