Sport

Jon Jones Celebrates No. 2 Ranking in UFC's Pound-for-Pound List After Stunning UFC 309 Victory

2024-11-19

Author: Charlotte

Jon Jones' Impressive UFC 309 Victory

In a stunning twist to UFC rankings, Jon Jones has expressed his satisfaction with being placed at No. 2 in the pound-for-pound list after his impressive title defense at UFC 309. The mixed martial arts (MMA) legend, with an overall record of 27 wins and just one loss, reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s greatest during the event, where he decisively defeated heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.

Jones' Response to Ranking

Contrary to UFC CEO Dana White’s opinion that Jones should hold the top spot, the 37-year-old fighter took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts. “Being ranked number 2 pound for pound at 37 years old, I’m happy with that,” he posted, highlighting his accomplishments at an age where many athletes are stepping back from competitive sports.

A Unique Legacy

Jones, often considered "the greatest of all time" (GOAT) in MMA, is particularly unique in the rankings, as his only official loss came from a controversial disqualification in 2009 for an illegal elbow strike—a move that is now legal under updated rules. After dominating the light heavyweight division for nearly a decade, he made a triumphant return to the octagon as a heavyweight, capturing the title vacated by Francis Ngannou early in 2023.

Current Rankings

Currently, the only fighter above Jones in the rankings is UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who stands at No. 1. The pound-for-pound rankings are curated by an independent panel who evaluate fighters' performances after each UFC event, and they update these lists accordingly.

What's Next for Jon Jones?

As fans eagerly anticipate his next steps, the MMA community is abuzz with speculation about whether Jones might vie for a rematch against Makhachev or defend his heavyweight title against rising challengers. With his legacy firmly etched in the annals of UFC history, all eyes will be on Jon Jones as he continues to redefine what it means to be a champion in the octagon. Will he reclaim the No. 1 spot? Only time will tell!