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| Jon Jones |
After 1,501 days as UFC light-heavyweight champion, Jon
Jones’ historic title reign came to an end late Tuesday when he was stripped
of the belt and suspended indefinitely from competition.
Jones’ (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) time as champion, which began in
March 2011, was brought to a screeching halt as punishment for his alleged
involvement in a Sunday hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, N.M.,
that left a 25-year-old pregnant woman with a broken arm and wrist.
After his UFC debut in 2008, Jones quickly
became one of the most accomplished fighters in company history. He
turned pro more than seven years ago and has already accomplished more than
most will in a lifetime of competition.
Jones stressed throughout his lengthy title reign that his
goal was to be the most credentialed fighter and champion in UFC history, which
is now far more daunting due to his uncertain future.
Nevertheless, Jones’ title reign was one of the greatest
runs in the sport’s history. Check out the numbers behind his four-year
title reign.
At 23 years and eight months old, Jones became the youngest
champion in UFC history when he defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua for the
light-heavyweight title at UFC 128 in March 2011.
At 24 years, two months and five days old, he became the
youngest fighter in UFC history to defend a championship belt when he defeated
Quinton Jackson at UFC 135.
His title reign of 1,501 days is the longest in
light-heavyweight history. Former champ Tito Ortiz held the previous record
(1,260).
His 1,501-day reign is the fourth longest in UFC
history behind former middleweight champ Anderson Silva (2,457 days), former
welterweight titleholder Georges St-Pierre (2,064 days) and current
featherweight champ Jose Aldo (1,621 days and counting).
His eight consecutive light-heavyweight title defenses
are the most in divisional history.
His eight consecutive UFC title defenses are the third
most in company history behind Silva (10) and St. Pierre (nine).
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| Jon Jones |
His four UFC title defenses in a 364-day span between Sept.
24, 2011, and Sept. 22, 2012, are the most by any champion in modern UFC
history.
His nine victories in UFC title fights are tied with
Matt Hughes and Randy Couture for third most in company history behind
St-Pierre (12) and Silva (11).
His five stoppage victories in UFC title fights are tied for
the third most in company history behind Silva (nine) and Hughes (nine).
His five victories over former UFC champions from the time
he won the belt to the time he was stripped are the most in history.
He outlanded his opponents, 714-326, in significant strikes
during his title reign. His 714 significant strikes landed are second most in
UFC championship fights behind St-Pierre (940).
His 56.4 percent striking accuracy in title fights is the
third best rate in UFC championship history among competitors with at
least five title bouts and 350 strike attempts.
He connected with 4.5 significant strikes per minute in
title fights, the third highest rate in UFC championship history among
competitors with at least five title fights.
His strike differential output per minute of +2.45 is also
third highest in UFC championship history among competitors with at least five
title fights.
He completed 18 takedowns during his title reign (at
least one per fight) and was taken down just twice.
He was awarded five fight-night bonuses during his title
reign, the second most of any champion in UFC history behind Silva (10).
He fought to a decision four times during his title reign
and unanimously lost just two of 20 rounds scored.
He is the 10th fighter in UFC history to be stripped of a
championship belt and the first in the light-heavyweight division.
He is the first of those 10 champions to be stripped due to
disciplinary reasons.
For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC
Rumors section of the site.