He is celebrating his faith.
Jon “Bones” Jones retained his undisputed UFC heavyweight title at UFC 309 by defeating Stipe Miocic with a TKO victory in the third round. After the fight, Jones expressed his gratitude to God, saying he could not take credit for his success and attributed it to his faith in Jesus. He shared a message with the crowd, including a notable group of figures such as President-elect Donald Trump, telling everyone that “Jesus loves you.” Jones’s dominant performance in the ring extended his UFC record to 16 title fight wins.
The fight itself saw Jones, with a record of 28-1, overpower Miocic (20-5), securing the victory with a spinning back kick to Miocic’s midsection. The event, which took place at Madison Square Garden, attracted a large and influential crowd, including Trump, Elon Musk, and UFC CEO Dana White. Jones also took a moment to thank Trump for attending and even humorously imitated his viral dance. In return, Trump invited Jones to the White House once he becomes president.
Jones is known for openly expressing his Christian faith, which plays a significant role in his personal and professional life. He has a tattoo of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” which he frequently references in interviews and on social media. In a 2019 interview, Jones discussed the meaning of the tattoo, explaining that it reminds him of his ability to overcome challenges and remain strong, not just for himself but for others who may be inspired by his faith.
The fighter’s relationship with his father, Pastor Arthur Jones, has also been influential in shaping his faith-based perspective on MMA. Although his father initially discouraged him from pursuing a fighting career, hoping he would become a preacher instead, he eventually recognized the spiritual parallels between fighting and biblical stories of warriors. Pastor Jones noted that his son’s fighting spirit was always evident, even as a child, and has become a source of strength for him both in and out of the ring.
Jones’s story highlights the significant role his faith plays in his success and resilience. He continues to balance his career in MMA with his deep Christian beliefs, often emphasizing that his victories and strength come from his relationship with God. His unwavering faith has become a cornerstone of his identity as both a champion and a public figure.