Jon Jones will tell you that he planned it all just as it happened—the meteoric rise, the indisputable coronation, the indestructible aura. It was a quick yet transcendent kind of dominance that was equal parts unambiguous yet baffling. No one had ever seen a fighter so truly mastermind such dangerous attacks that married unique physical advantages with competitive execution.
He was the UFC light heavyweight champion within three years of turning professional. Almost a decade later, there have been signs that his reign is near its end.
In 14 straight title matches—not counting the 2017 rematch no contest against Daniel Cormier—Jones has only rarely been challenged.