The reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Jon “Bones” Jones, has dominated the world of MMA for over ten years. Despite unparalleled success, his only professional loss was due to a controversial strike. The 12-6 elbows will soon be considered legal in the sport. The 37-year-old is determined to erase the sole blemish from his record to achieve an undefeated record like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Recently, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports unanimously decided to lift the ban on 12-6 elbows. Since 2000, there has been a prohibition on the use of the “straight up and straight down” elbow strike. When Jones found out about the rule change, he promptly shared his thoughts on social media. He also requested UFC CEO Dana White to assist him in removing the loss from his record.
Undefeated then, undefeated now… @danawhite we gotta get that loss out of the history books.
Jon Jones via Instagram
Commissions will soon allow 12-6 elbows starting November 1, 2024, just before Jones’s anticipated upcoming fight with Stipe Miocic. With the allowance of this rule, Jones now has the chance to contest the disqualification. He can have it removed from his otherwise perfect MMA record. However, Ariel Helwani believes this cannot be changed since the incident occurred almost 15 years ago.
Jon Jones’ only loss came in 2009 when he was disqualified for using illegal elbows against Matt Hamill. If it weren’t for this loss, he might have joined Khabib Nurmagomedov as one of the undefeated champions in UFC history. It’s worth noting that the UFC CEO has attempted to remove this blemish from Jones’ record multiple times.
Dana White tried to make Jon Jones undefeated again
The CEO of the UFC has always remained a strong supporter of his fighters. In the case of the controversial Jon Jones, Dana White has consistently backed him. White doesn’t want to see any flaws in Jones’ record and wants him to maintain an undefeated record. The referee controversially awarded Matt Hamill a victory due to illegal blows by Jones, but it did not sit well with the UFC CEO.
Dana White and Jon Jones at a UFC press conference (via X)The head of the UFC stated that he attempted to remove the defeat from Jones’ record. Despite his efforts, the Nevada State Athletic Commission declined White’s request. Thus, the defeat remains a blemish on Jon Jones’ otherwise spotless legacy. During an episode of The Jim Rome Show, Dana White spoke very highly of the current UFC heavyweight champion.
Look at all the people that he [Jones] has fought. He has never lost a fight. It kills me that one [loss] is on his record… 26-1. You have to understand, for the people who don’t know… This was during a time when the Nevada State Athletic Commission was very weak..
Dana White via The Jim Rome Show
It appears that the UFC may not be able to award Jones a victory. However, it is very possible that they could change it to a no-contest. In such a scenario, the fighter from New York would have two no-contests on his otherwise flawless record. Jones has strived for an undefeated record for a long time. This is the perfect opportunity for him to attempt to erase all signs of his loss. Nonetheless, only time will reveal whether Dana White and the UFC will rule in his favor.
