Jon Jones was a relative newcomer to the UFC but proved his title credentials with an incredible win at UFC 126
Jon Jones is rightly considered as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all-time but even the greats have to start somewhere.
Jones came from an athletic family and even played college football where he got the Bones name. However, it was MMA all the way for him as he amassed a 6-0 record and won a title even before entering the UFC.
Jones won his first three fights in the promotion and many believed he could be the next big thing. There was a slight hiccup en-route as he was given a loss due to illegal downward strikes on Matt Hamill.
However, Jones and the UFC have been trying to overturn that decision, and many believe it should have ended as a no contest.
Nevertheless, Jones would not be stopped. He defeated Brandon Vera to got 10-1 and then Vladimir Matyushenko. Jones already had wins over Stephan Bonnar and was ready for his next big challenge.
Jon Jones on the road for gold
Dana White seemed to be on the hype train as he promised a big opponent for Jones if he beat Matyushenko.
The two names that were floating about were Ryan Bader, who is the current Bellator Heavyweight Champion, and Antonio Nogueira.
Jones got his wish to take on Bader and produced an exceptional performance. He defeated Bader thanks to a guillotine choke and dominated his rival at UFC 126.
This was proof that Jones wasn’t a flash in the pan and great things were destined for him. While this win cemented that the youngster is someone to keep an eye on, it also led him to a title fight next.
There was some luck in play though. Rashad Evans was to fight Mauricio Rua for his title, however, Evans pulled out due to an injury.
That saw Jones come in and replace his training partner. He also finished Rua and became the Light Heavyweight champion for the first time.
Jones also became the youngest UFC champion ever and this was just the start of his legacy.
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