Why Jon Jones and Conor McGregor Shaped UFC History

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has evolved from a niche spectacle in the early 1990s to a global juggernaut, commanding billions in revenue and millions of fans worldwide. Two figures stand out as pivotal architects of this transformation: Jon Jones and Conor McGregor. Their careers, marked by extraordinary achievements, polarizing controversies, and unparalleled charisma, have redefined what it means to be a fighter in the modern era. Through their dominance in the octagon, record-setting performances, and ability to transcend the sport, Jones and McGregor have not only shaped UFC history but also elevated mixed martial arts (MMA) to new heights. This article explores the reasons behind their monumental impact, using statistics, charts, and a deep dive into their legacies.

The Rise of Jon Jones: A Prodigy Redefines Greatness

Jon Jones entered the UFC in 2008 at the age of 21, a lanky light heavyweight with a wrestling background and a hunger for greatness. Born in Rochester, New York, in 1987, Jones grew up in a family of athletes—his brothers Arthur and Chandler would go on to play in the NFL. But Jon’s path was different. After a brief stint in junior college wrestling, he turned to MMA, and his ascent was meteoric. By 2011, at the age of 23, he became the youngest UFC champion in history, defeating Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 to claim the light heavyweight title.

Jones’ dominance was unlike anything the UFC had seen. Standing at 6’4” with an 84.5-inch reach—the longest in UFC history—he combined physical gifts with a relentless work ethic and a creative fighting style. His use of spinning elbows, oblique kicks, and unorthodox striking made him a nightmare for opponents. Between 2009 and 2015, Jones went on a tear, amassing a 13-fight win streak in the light heavyweight division, a record for the most consecutive victories in that weight class.

Here’s a breakdown of Jones’ light heavyweight title defenses, showcasing his reign:

Jones’ nine consecutive title defenses set a UFC light heavyweight record, a mark that still stands in 2025. His ability to defeat a who’s who of the division—former champions like Rua, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, and Daniel Cormier—cemented his status as one of the greatest fighters ever. But Jones’ impact went beyond statistics. He brought a new level of athleticism to MMA, blending wrestling, striking, and submission skills in a way that forced the sport to evolve. Fighters began training to counter his unorthodox techniques, raising the overall skill level in the UFC.

Jones’ career wasn’t without blemishes. His legal troubles, including a 2015 hit-and-run incident and multiple failed drug tests, led to suspensions and the stripping of his title on several occasions. Yet, even these controversies amplified his presence in the sport. Fans were divided—some saw him as a troubled genius, others as a reckless talent—but everyone was talking about him. This polarizing nature kept Jones in the headlines, ensuring the UFC remained a focal point of sports media.

Conor McGregor: The King of Charisma

While Jon Jones redefined greatness through dominance, Conor McGregor reshaped UFC history through sheer star power. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1988, McGregor burst onto the UFC scene in 2013 with a brash personality and a penchant for knockouts. A former plumber’s apprentice, McGregor’s journey to stardom was improbable. He joined the UFC after dominating the European MMA scene, and his debut against Marcus Brimage at UFC on Fuel TV 9 ended in a first-round knockout, signaling the arrival of a new force.

McGregor’s rise was fueled by his mastery of self-promotion. He trash-talked opponents with surgical precision, predicting outcomes with eerie accuracy. His featherweight run from 2013 to 2015 was a masterclass in momentum. He won the interim featherweight title against Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in July 2015, then unified the belt by knocking out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194 in December 2015—the fastest knockout in UFC title fight history.

Here’s a chart of McGregor’s key UFC knockouts during his featherweight and lightweight campaigns:

McGregor’s knockout of Aldo was a watershed moment for the UFC. Aldo had been unbeaten for a decade, reigning as the featherweight king since 2010. McGregor’s 13-second demolition not only shattered Aldo’s aura but also sent a message: the UFC had a new face. McGregor’s next feat was even more historic. At UFC 205 in November 2016, he defeated Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight title, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold two belts simultaneously—the featherweight and lightweight titles. This achievement, dubbed the “Champ-Champ” status, set a new benchmark for ambition in the sport.

McGregor’s impact wasn’t just in the octagon. His charisma turned fights into events. UFC 189, headlined by McGregor vs. Mendes, drew a live gate of $7.2 million, a record at the time for a U.S.-based UFC event. UFC 194, where he fought Aldo, generated 1.2 million pay-per-view (PPV) buys, one of the highest in UFC history up to that point. McGregor’s ability to sell fights through his larger-than-life persona brought unprecedented attention to the UFC, attracting casual fans who might never have watched MMA otherwise.

Cultural Impact: Redefining the Fighter Archetype

Jones and McGregor didn’t just win fights—they changed how fighters were perceived. Before their rise, MMA fighters were often seen as one-dimensional athletes, respected for their skills but rarely celebrated as cultural icons. Jones and McGregor shattered that mold. Jones, with his cerebral approach and athletic brilliance, showed that fighters could be artists, blending disciplines in ways that pushed the sport forward. McGregor, with his tailored suits, sharp wit, and unapologetic bravado, turned fighters into rock stars, commanding attention far beyond the cage.

Why Jon Jones and Conor McGregor Shaped UFC History

Their influence on fighter branding was profound. Jones became the first UFC fighter to sign with Nike in 2011, a deal that included his own signature apparel line. While the partnership ended in 2015 amid his legal issues, it marked a shift—fighters were now marketable commodities. McGregor took this to another level. His 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, while not a UFC event, was a direct result of his UFC stardom. The fight generated 4.3 million PPV buys, the second-highest in combat sports history, and earned McGregor a reported $100 million. This crossover appeal brought new eyes to the UFC, proving that its stars could compete on the global stage.

McGregor’s business ventures further amplified his impact. He launched Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey in 2018, a brand that sold over 200,000 cases in its first year, generating millions in revenue. This entrepreneurial spirit inspired other fighters to think beyond the octagon, from launching clothing lines to starting gyms. Jones, while less business-savvy, used his platform to secure high-profile sponsorships, including with Gatorade and MuscleTech, paving the way for future fighters to secure mainstream deals.

Records That Speak Volumes

The records set by Jones and McGregor are a testament to their dominance. Jones holds several UFC light heavyweight records, including:

• Most title defenses: 9 (2011–2015)
• Longest win streak: 13 (2009–2015)
• Most significant strikes landed in the division: 1,581
• Most takedowns in the division: 68

In 2023, Jones moved to heavyweight, winning the title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in just 2:04 via submission, making him one of the few fighters to win belts in two weight classes. His career stats are staggering: a 27-1 record (with one no-contest), 10 knockouts, 7 submissions, and 10 decisions, showcasing his versatility.

McGregor’s records, while fewer due to his lighter fight schedule, are equally impressive:

• Fastest UFC title fight knockout: 13 seconds (vs. Jose Aldo, UFC 194)
• First simultaneous two-division champion: Featherweight and Lightweight (UFC 205)
• Highest single-fight PPV buys in UFC history: 2.4 million (UFC 229 vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov, 2018)

McGregor’s career record stands at 22-6, with 19 knockouts, highlighting his striking prowess. His ability to finish fights quickly—10 of his UFC wins came in under five minutes—made him a fan favorite.

Here’s a comparative chart of their UFC fight outcomes:

This chart illustrates their different paths to victory: Jones’ balanced approach contrasts with McGregor’s knockout-heavy style, yet both achieved unparalleled success.

Controversies as Catalysts

Controversies, while damaging to their reputations, paradoxically amplified their impact on UFC history. Jones’ career has been marred by legal issues and failed drug tests. In 2015, he was stripped of his title after a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque, where he fled the scene after colliding with a pregnant woman’s car. He returned in 2016 but tested positive for banned substances before his rematch with Daniel Cormier at UFC 200, leading to another suspension. These incidents kept Jones in the spotlight, even during his absences, ensuring the UFC remained a topic of conversation.

Conor McGregor’s controversies were equally headline-grabbing. In 2018, he was arrested for throwing a dolly through a bus window at UFC 223, targeting Khabib Nurmagomedov and injuring other fighters. The incident led to a court case and a $50,000 fine, but it also hyped his eventual fight with Khabib at UFC 229, which became the highest-grossing UFC event ever with a $17.2 million gate. McGregor’s legal troubles continued, including assault charges in Ireland, yet his ability to remain a draw was undeniable. UFC 257 in 2021, where he lost to Dustin Poirier, still drew 1.6 million PPV buys, showing his star power transcended wins and losses.

These controversies, while messy, kept the UFC relevant. They turned Jones and McGregor into larger-than-life figures, drawing in fans who might not care about MMA but were captivated by the drama. This dynamic helped the UFC grow its audience, as casual viewers tuned in to see what these polarizing stars would do next.

Global Expansion and Financial Growth

The UFC’s financial growth owes much to Jones and McGregor. In 2011, when Jones won his first title, the UFC was valued at around $2 billion. By 2016, when McGregor became a two-division champion, the organization was sold to WME-IMG for $4 billion, a record for a sports franchise. By 2025, the UFC’s valuation has soared to over $12 billion, with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion.

Jones and McGregor were key drivers of this growth. Jones’ title defenses brought stability to the light heavyweight division, ensuring consistent PPV buys during his reign. Events like UFC 165 (Jones vs. Gustafsson) drew 500,000 buys, a significant number for the time. McGregor, however, took it to another level. His fights routinely shattered records:

• UFC 194 (vs. Aldo): 1.2 million PPV buys
• UFC 202 (vs. Nate Diaz 2): 1.65 million PPV buys
• UFC 229 (vs. Khabib): 2.4 million PPV buys

McGregor’s events alone generated over $600 million in PPV revenue for the UFC, a figure unmatched by any other fighter. His global appeal, particularly in Europe, helped the UFC expand internationally. UFC Fight Night 46 in Dublin in 2014, headlined by McGregor, sold out in minutes, showing the demand for local stars. This success prompted the UFC to host more events in Europe, from London to Stockholm, growing its fanbase.

Jones, while less of a global draw, contributed through consistency. His fights against international stars like Gustafsson (Sweden) and Cormier (Canada) showcased the UFC’s diversity, appealing to a broader audience. His move to heavyweight in 2023 further expanded his reach, as fans worldwide tuned in to see if he could dominate another division.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The influence of Jones and McGregor extends to the fighters they inspired. Jones’ technical brilliance set a new standard for versatility. Fighters like Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman have cited Jones as an influence, adopting his creative striking and grappling to dominate their divisions. McGregor’s impact is even more visible. His trash-talking, fashion sense, and business acumen have inspired fighters like Sean O’Malley and Paddy Pimblett, who emulate his blueprint for stardom.

Their legacies also reshaped fighter pay. McGregor’s massive earnings—reportedly $50 million for UFC 229—forced the UFC to rethink its compensation model. While fighter pay remains a contentious issue, top stars now command seven-figure purses, a direct result of McGregor proving the financial value of a marquee name. Jones, too, benefited, reportedly earning $5 million for his heavyweight title win in 2023, a significant jump from his early career payouts.

The Lasting Echoes of Their Impact

The story of Jon Jones and Conor McGregor is one of transformation. Through their in-octagon brilliance, Jones with his record-setting dominance and McGregor with his historic knockouts, they elevated the UFC’s competitive standard. Their larger-than-life personas—Jones as the troubled prodigy, McGregor as the brash showman—turned the UFC into a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of new fans. Their records, from Jones’ title defenses to McGregor’s PPV numbers, are benchmarks that may stand for decades.

Beyond the numbers, they changed the narrative of what a fighter could be. They showed that MMA wasn’t just about fighting—it was about storytelling, branding, and global influence. The UFC’s growth into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, its expansion into new markets, and its ability to produce mainstream stars all trace back to the paths they forged. In 2025, as the UFC continues to thrive, the echoes of Jones and McGregor’s contributions are felt in every sold-out arena, every viral fight promo, and every young fighter dreaming of greatness. Their place in UFC history isn’t just secure—it’s foundational.