Jon Jones could finalize his legendary UFC career with heavyweight title defense at Madison Square Garden

Jon Jones is one of the most dominant, decorated fighters in UFC history. After making his debut at 21 years old, Jones feasted on the light heavyweight division for over a decade en route to an absurd 27-1-0 record. 

Following his 2008 UFC debut, it took just three years for the New York native to capture his first UFC championship belt. During that three-round 2011 bout, Jones defeated Shogun Rua for the light heavyweight championship, making him the youngest belt holder in the promotion’s history.  

Nearly 15 years later, Jones could end his storied career with a title defense at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. Jones, 37, will take on Stipe Miocic in a main-event match for the UFC heavyweight championship. 

The highly anticipated fight marks the first heavyweight title defense for Jones, who moved up to the heavyweight division in March 2023. Jones claimed the heavyweight championship with a quick submission win over Ciryl Gane in his first heavyweight match. Now, in what could be his retirement match, Jones aims to defend his title under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.  

With a win at UFC 309, Jones could cement himself as the best UFC fighter in history, which is an honor UFC president Dana White believes Jones has already earned. During a promotional presser for UFC 285, White was asked if a few additional title defenses would establish Jones as the UFC’s best fighter, and he responded by stating that the New York native is already the best pound-for-pound fighter of all time. 

“I haven’t met many people that would debate it but if they did [a couple of heavyweight title defenses] would certainly be the end of it,” White said. “Realistically, when you look at Jon’s career, he’s undefeated. He should be 27-0.”

After stating that Jones’ sole disqualification should have been ruled a stoppage, White continued to heap praise on the heavyweight champion.  

“If you look at the people that he went through to win the title and defend the title, it’s pretty impressive,” White added. “It’s undeniable that he’s the greatest of all-time.”

Although White’s comments sparked viral debates as UFC fans debated their all-time rankings, the UFC president’s comments aren’t without merit. While there are many esteemed fighters worthy of the all-time debate, Jones boasts a unique resume that is unparalleled in the UFC. 

On top of being the youngest UFC champion ever, Jones also recorded the most title-fight wins in UFC history. Jones didn’t get any cheap wins, either, as the 6-foot-4 brawler earned eight wins against former UFC champions. 

With a win over Miocic at UFC 309, that figure could be extended to nine. Furthermore, en route to a near-perfect record, Jones boasts a 19-fight unbeaten streak, the longest in UFC history.  

“The best MMA athlete of all-time is Jon Jones, no doubt about it,” said UFC middleweight fighter Caio Borralho. “He beat the best guys; he got the toughest guys in the division, and he won. He’s one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever seen. I think Jon Jones is the GOAT, no doubt about it.”

Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman shared a similar sentiment, stating that Jones’ career achievements speak for themselves. 

“I’ll take Jon Jones just for everything he’s done in his career,” Weidman said. “It’s hard to question him being No. 1 pound-for-pound. I know he hasn’t been active, but the fact he came back at heavyweight and got a finish over a guy like Ciryl Gane so fast, I’d put him at one.”

One of just seven fighters to win a UFC championship across multiple weight classes, Jones has already earned his place among the UFC elite. With a title defense at UFC 309, Jones may solidify himself as the best fighter to enter the Octagon.