Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, is preparing for a monumental clash against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. As he steps into the Octagon, Jones carries a professional record of 27 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no-contest, but the circumstances surrounding his only defeat have raised questions about his status as an undefeated fighter.
Jones’ solitary loss occurred in 2009 during The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale against Matt Hamill. In that bout, Jones was dominating the match, having already dislocated Hamill’s shoulder with a takedown. However, the fight took a controversial turn when Jones landed a series of illegal strikes known as ’12-6 elbows’. These strikes, which involve lifting the elbow from a vertical position and bringing it down directly, are banned in MMA due to their potential for serious injury.
The referee for the match, Steve Mazzagatti, deemed the strikes severe enough to warrant a disqualification. This decision has been heavily criticized over the years, with many, including UFC President Dana White, labeling Mazzagatti as one of the worst referees in MMA history. Following the disqualification, Jones appealed the ruling, but the appeal was ultimately unsuccessful.
Since that fateful night, Jon Jones has gone on to secure an impressive 19-fight win streak, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the sport. His last fight, which took place in March 2023, saw him achieve a first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane, further enhancing his reputation.
Despite the disqualification, many in the MMA community, including commentators and analysts, have chosen to overlook this blemish on Jones’ record. Adam Catterall, a noted MMA expert, recently referred to Jones as an ‘undefeated fighter’, reflecting a sentiment shared by numerous fans and pundits. Dana White has also consistently supported Jones, refusing to acknowledge the loss in discussions surrounding his career.
In addition to the disqualification loss, Jones’ record includes a no-contest ruling from a rematch with Daniel Cormier in 2017. In that bout, Jones initially won by knockout, but a subsequent failed drug test led to the fight being overturned. This incident further complicates the narrative of Jones’ career, as it adds another layer of controversy to his already storied history.
As Jones prepares to face Miocic, the stakes are incredibly high. A victory would not only solidify his status as the greatest of all time (GOAT) but also continue his legacy in the heavyweight division. Miocic, a former champion himself, poses a significant challenge, making this matchup one of the most anticipated in recent UFC history.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this fight unfolds and whether Jones can maintain his dominance in the Octagon. With a history as rich and complex as his, every fight adds another chapter to the Jon Jones saga, and UFC 309 is set to be a crucial moment in that ongoing story.
