The Real Jon “Bones” Jones: A Decade Later
We take inspiration from everything, everywhere (not all at once). We find art in the smallest things we use, watch, and have around us. Since the very beginning of our creative agency Riot we’ve been avid fans of the mixed martial arts world and in particular the UFC.
Over a decade ago we found ourselves attending endless fights around the world working behind the scenes to cover one of the fastest-growing sports. One of the key pieces of content we worked on with Heavy.com was a three-part series about Jon Bones Jones UFC career, titled “The Real Jon Jones” which covered this amazing fighter’s story so far.
During that time Jones’ career took so many twists and turns and it’s been an amazing ride to watch his evolution. From controversies outside the arena and some of the greatest battles ever fought in the octagon with legends like Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson. Jon Jones has essentially never lost a fight. He has 27 wins and 1 controversial no-contest – Jones tested positive for turinabol, causing a win to be overturned to a no-contest, along with a 15-month suspension. The levels that were considered to be a positive during this time have since been reduced causing Jones himself to question the overturning of the no-contest on his record. Jon Jones is an amazing fighter is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter ever and the biggest name in the sport.
Fast forward to Jones’ UFC title-winning debut at heavyweight at UFC 285. Jon “Bones” Jones returned after 3 years, stepping up a weight class into the heavyweight division. He absolutely dominated Ciryl Gane in the fight who is an opponent that every UFC fan had just witnessed slowly smashing through the division. And let’s be honest here, he made it seem super easy and he made a behemoth look out of their depth. After such an amazing comeback journey, we found ourselves diving into the RIOT archives to watch an original story we put together to remind us of how much we appreciate this beautiful and brutal sport.
Shout out to the people who helped make this film – Dave Farra (@davefarra), Matt Brown (@mattbrownm2), Rick Lee (@rickjlee), James Law (@jameslawphoto), and Megan Olivi (@meganolivi). We’re still great friends and stay in touch with everyone involved and are really proud of what we were able to accomplish with this mini-series. It’s cool to see that both the UFC pre-show and post-show that we all created together eventually made it to be part of the official broadcast schedule.
Main photo by the ever-legendary James Law.
The Real Jon Jones: Part 1 of 3 – The Foundations of a Champion
The phrase “greatest of all time” is often thrown around in sports, but few athletes embody it as fully as Jon “Bones” Jones. From his meteoric rise as the youngest champion in UFC history at just 23 to his unparalleled skill inside the octagon, Jones has rewritten the playbook for what a Mixed Martial Artist can achieve. But beyond his accolades lies a man deeply rooted in family, faith, and resilience.
Raised in Rochester, New York, Jon credits his parents, Arthur and Camille, for instilling the values that have guided his journey. His father, Arthur Jones Jr., a pastor at the Mount Sinai Church of God in Binghamton, was both a spiritual guide and a driving force in Jon’s athletic development. “My dad’s a great guy,” Jon reflects. “Not only did he deal with the spiritual needs of a whole congregation, but he also gave us his full attention as a father. He made sure we knew that hard work pays off.”
Arthur’s unique motivational techniques—like offering small rewards for wrestling victories—sparked a competitive spirit in Jon and his brothers. “He’d give us $6 for a pin or $2 for winning in the finals,” Jon recalls. “It taught us from a young age that if you push yourself, you can make a living for yourself.” Today, Jon strives to emulate his father’s dedication as both a parent and a role model.
If Arthur was the motivator, Camille was the disciplinarian. Jon describes her as “the strong one of the household,” balancing boldness with compassion. “She always told us exactly how it was,” Jon shares, “but she also had the biggest heart. She worked with mentally handicapped adults and taught us to be comfortable with people, no matter their struggles.” Camille’s influence extended beyond the family, often involving her children in charitable efforts like feeding the homeless and supporting women in crisis. “She taught me to care for complete strangers,” Jon reflects. “That’s one of the greatest lessons she ever gave me.”
Jon’s competitive edge also stemmed from his close relationship with his brothers, Arthur and Chandler. “We’re best friends,” Jon says. “Arthur and I were always in the same grade, with the same friends and hobbies, while Chandler and I shared a room growing up.” Today, Arthur is a professional football player for the Baltimore Ravens, while Chandler, a standout at Syracuse University, was projected as a first-round NFL draft pick. “We’ve always pushed each other to be better,” Jon adds. “I’m so proud of what we’ve all achieved.”
From his upbringing in a tight-knit family to his historic achievements in the UFC, Jon Jones’ story is one of resilience, faith, and unyielding determination. As he continues to redefine the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, his roots remain a constant source of strength, proving that even the brightest stars are grounded by their foundations.
The Real Jon Jones: Part 2 of 3 – Faith, Family, and the Road to Greatness
Jon Jones’ journey to becoming one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time is as much about resilience as it is about talent. His faith and family have played a pivotal role in shaping the man and fighter he is today, especially during the darkest moments of his life.
In 2000, Jon’s family endured an unimaginable tragedy when his eldest sister passed away from brain cancer at just 18 years old. The loss was devastating, forcing Jon and his siblings to mature quickly as they took on caregiving responsibilities. Despite the hardship, Jones credits this experience with teaching him to cherish life’s fleeting moments and the relationships that make them meaningful.
Through it all, Jon’s faith remained a cornerstone of his strength. “I believe that religion and Christianity is not for perfect people. It’s for people who confess that they have issues and problems,” he shares. This belief helps him weather criticism and public scrutiny, acknowledging that his relationship with God is personal and imperfect. As a fighter, Jon attributes his lack of serious injuries—a rarity in MMA—to divine blessings, a notion that reflects both his humility and gratitude.
Jones’ rise in MMA began with a life-altering decision. After winning a junior college national championship in wrestling, his path seemed destined for collegiate success. However, when his girlfriend became pregnant, Jon chose family over a full scholarship, returning home to New York to support her. While working as a bouncer and training for local MMA fights, he faced skepticism from peers who doubted his dreams of becoming a UFC fighter. Undeterred, Jones channeled that doubt into fuel for his ambitions.
On April 12, 2008, Jon made his professional MMA debut, securing a first-round TKO victory. Just four months and six fights later, his unparalleled talent earned him a call to the UFC. At UFC 87, Jon Jones stepped into the octagon for the first time, signaling the beginning of a career that would redefine the sport.
The Real Jon Jones: Part 3 of 3 -From Rising Star to GOAT
Jon Jones’ journey in the UFC is a testament to his unparalleled skill, self-belief, and unyielding work ethic. From the moment he stepped into the octagon for his first professional fight in 2008, Jones has shown a fire and passion that separates great athletes from the truly legendary. As he reflects on his debut victory, Jon describes the moment his hand was raised: “Dreams and ideals of making it and prosperity just came to me instantly. I screamed with passion. It was real fire and passion right there.”
That fire carried him through a whirlwind start to his MMA career, with six professional victories in just under 12 weeks. Even when faced with a controversial disqualification—the only loss on his record—Jones maintained his humility and drive. “I’m not undefeated. I’m not invincible,” he admits. “Each fight is a challenge with a life of its own. I work hard to earn every win.” This mindset, rooted in resilience, keeps him grounded and ready to face any opponent.
Despite his accolades, Jones has faced criticism, with some labeling him “cocky.” But he counters this narrative with a focus on self-awareness and authenticity. “Cocky would be bragging and showing off success. I’m a giver, a lover. I care about people—complete strangers even. As an athlete, you need confidence, but that’s different from arrogance.” His coach reinforces this, describing Jones as “humble, coachable, and constantly eager to learn.”
Jones’ dominance in the UFC has already drawn comparisons to icons like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Babe Ruth. However, Jon remains focused on pushing the limits of his potential. “I look at athletes who pushed the envelope, like Michael Jordan, and I want to be the guy who pushes it even further. Muhammad Ali said it best: the only limitations we have are the ones we put on ourselves.”
As Jones continues to redefine what it means to be a champion, the question looms: Can he sustain his greatness and secure his legacy as the greatest of all time? With unwavering dedication and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, Jon Jones’ story is far from over. As he puts it, “I feel as if I’m just getting started. Who knows what levels I can take this thing?”
Reflecting on Jon Jones’ Legacy: A Journey Beyond 2012
Since 2012, when RIOT documented Jon “Bones” Jones’ meteoric rise in The Real Jon Jones, his story has continued to evolve in remarkable and complex ways. Over the years, Jones has cemented his position as one of the most dominant figures in MMA history, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the octagon while navigating the challenges of fame and scrutiny outside of it.
In the decade following our film, Jon returned to the UFC with resounding success, securing championships in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. His victory at UFC 285 in 2023, where he claimed the heavyweight title with a first-round submission against Ciryl Gane, was a testament to his enduring greatness. Later that year, he delivered one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history with a spinning back kick to defeat Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, further solidifying his legacy.
Beyond the octagon, Jones has embraced his role as a cultural icon, inspiring the next generation of fighters while remaining true to the principles that shaped his rise: hard work, self-belief, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As we reflect on the film we created, we are reminded of how Jon’s journey resonated with fans worldwide, capturing the essence of a man destined for greatness.
Looking ahead, Jones remains at the forefront of UFC discussions, with potential fights like a heavyweight unification bout against Tom Aspinall promising to make history. These moments are a continuation of the story we began telling in 2012—a story of resilience, faith, and the unyielding drive to push limits.
At RIOT, we are proud to have been part of Jon’s journey, documenting his rise during a pivotal moment in his career. His legacy is far from finished, and as his story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the ability to redefine greatness. Whether inside the octagon or beyond, Jon Jones continues to inspire, and we remain committed to sharing his remarkable story with the world.
