Exactly 12 years ago, Jon Jones became the youngest ever UFC champion! See how he won the welterweight title

19.3.2011 Jon Jones entered the history of mixed martial arts as the youngest UFC champion. With an incredible performance he beat the champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and took his championship belt.

Jon Jones has been the darling of Dana White since his first steps in the UFC

Two-time UFC champion, youngest titleholder, most title defenses, longest undefeated streak in the UFC and Hall of Fame member. That’s just a short list of the records held by living MMA legend Jon Jones. So let’s go back 12 years earlier, when his incredible run as UFC champion of champions began.

“Bones,” who got his nickname because of his lean physique, entered the UFC waters in the summer of 2009. In his first few fights, he became the darling of Dana White.

And it was the boss of the world’s biggest MMA organization who interceded for his hottest commodity after he was disqualified for a banned elbow when he was denied a clear win. Thus, to this day, the only red box in Jones’ record shines with the attribute “disqualification”.

But after his comeback, he rode back on a winning streak and when he destroyed the previously undefeated Ryan Bader two years later, he got a title shot. Luck also played a part in that, as Jones found himself filling in for the injured Rashad Evans in the title match.

Twelve years ago, he became the youngest UFC champion

And so, on March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, the then 23-year-old Jon Jones took on welterweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The whole world saw the birth of a legend and the record of the youngest UFC champion, which he still holds after 12 years.

Jones dictated the pace from the start of the fight and after less than 30 seconds he had his opponent down and there he just destroyed with short punches for over three minutes. Then when Shogun got up, he landed a series of hard punches and just barely made it through the first round.

Then when the champion went to his trainers at the break, he was breathing very deeply. Jones then went after the experienced Brazilian early in the second round, hitting him with a hell of an elbow off a spinning back kick. Then, when Jones took his opponent down again midway through the round, that’s when the champion felt the welterweight would change his king that night in the first defense.

A legend was born that night

Jones was quicker, more accurate and stronger that night, both standing and on the ground. The third round then looked like a cat and mouse game. After a minute, the agile youngster took his opponent to the ground again, where he showered him with hard elbows. Then when the Brazilian tried to leave the uncomfortable zone, Jones gave him a hard low knee to the head and the referee had to stop the fight.

His incredible streak of records began that night. A legend was born that night. Although Jones has experienced many controversies over the years, two weeks ago he once again managed to shock the combat sports world when he won the heavyweight championship after a three year fight fast.

Many experts rightfully consider him to be the greatest fighter in the history of mixed martial arts. You can watch the full fight in the video below. Don’t miss a performance that made MMA history.

Source: UFC, Wikipedia, Twitter account – Josh