One of the first moments Jon Jones looked like a mere human and less of an athletic specimen was at UFC 165 in 2013. Two years into his first reign as champion at the time, the 26-year-old “Bones” was entering his sixth title defense against Alexander Gustafsson.
Jones did end up with the unanimous decision win, but not without going through the wringer. He was battered and bloodied, and apparently in danger of losing his belt via doctor stoppage.
Former referee “Big John” McCarthy was the third man in the Octagon that night. And according to him, Jones would’ve left the arena without the belt if he didn’t step in.