TheGrio’s 100: Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion youngest in history

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Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is the youngest Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) titleholder in history.

The 24-year-old New Yorker grew up wrestling and was the 2005 New York State wrestling champion during his senior year in high school. He was the National Junior College Wrestling Champion and a Greco-Roman All American while attending Iowa Central Community College.

WATCH theGRIO’s PROFILE ON JON ‘BONES’ JONES BELOW:
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Jones started training to be an MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter in 2007 and made his professional debut the following year. After a few months in and six straight wins, the UFC offered Jones a four fight deal, and he became the youngest fighter on the roster at that time.

Jones took on his first UFC fight with only two weeks notice as a replacement for Tomasz Drwal, against Brazilian MMA fighter Andre Gusmão in 2008. Jones’ impressive performance — beating Gusmão despite being a rookie — helped him gain a following in the sport.

Since then, Jones has continued to earn a reputation as a star fighter, winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship last March.

Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is making history as… a champion mixed martial artist and wrestler. Jones has mastered both sports and has been named the top-ranked light heavyweight fighter in the world. He has a reach of 84.5 inches, the longest in UFC history.

What’s next for Jon?

Jones continues to travel and compete in MMA fights. Last December he successfully defended his championship title with a win against fighter Lyoto Machida.

A little-known fact about Jon “Bones” Jones…

Jones’ brother, Arthur, is a defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.

For more information, click here.