By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

205 pound sensation Jon “Bones” Jones arrived on Zuffa landscape in August of 2008 after just six professional fights. UFC scouting proved not only timely, but brilliant; one of the most profound prospects in the business had been spotted by the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion, and there wasn’t a hint of hesitation in signing the young talent to a multi-fight contract.

One month after destroying Moyses Gabin at Battle Cage Xtreme 5, “Bones” made his way to the octagon for the first time.

Not yet the highly refined warrior we recognize today, Jones battled and dominated Andre Gusmao. While Gusmao never offered up too much resistance, Jon’s inexperience was evident; Gusmao, though hurt a few times, survived to see the final bell toll, and “Bones” certainly didn’t unleash the flashy and wild offensive maneuvers he’s become known for. In short, Jon was working at getting himself comfortable on the big stage. And, it worked wonders.

In his next outing, just five months later, Jon met fan favorite Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94. “Bones” looked like an entirely different fighter. A multitude of aesthetically appealing techniques would be unveiled by the future champ, as he launched wild kicks and some beautiful spinning assaults (a gorgeous spinning elbow floored Bonnar, and decorates highlight reels to this day) that left the TUF alum confused and battered after fifteen minutes. Jones had officially garnered significant attention from UFC brass.

From that point forward, Jones would take on the role of fledgling superstar. Not even a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill (Jones was disqualified for landing 12-6 elbow strikes from the mount) could suffocate the attention the youngster demanded. Joe Silva and Dana White were all eyes on Jones and to the shock of many, a sizeable leap in competition would quickly follow.

At UFC 126, in February of 2011, Jones entered the cage to face the other key prospect in the division, Ryan Bader; a dangerous wrestler riding the fame of a recent stint on Spike’s, The Ultimate Fighter. The moment of truth had arrived, and it was time for the future of the division to collide in order to establish another deserving contender. As impressive as Bader had been, Jones made him look the amateur, easily outwrestling and submitting him in approximately nine minutes.

As impressive as the victory was, the fight only marked the beginning of a frightening reign of dominance. A title fight with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua presented itself when planned challenger, Rashad Evans was forced to withdraw due to injury. Jones leapt at the chance to meet the Pride star in a title fight, and one month later, the two toed the line in one insanely memorable bout.

Rua wouldn’t survive to see the fourth round; Jones remained one step ahead of his foe from the opening minute of the fight. A diverse attack consisting of brutal punches, kicks, knees and takedowns kept Mauricio on the constant defensive. After an ugly attack from Jones left Rua crumbled on the canvas, referee Herb Dean stepped in to call a merciful halt to the fight just as “Shogun” himself pounded the mat in physical surrender. It was a mind boggling sight to see, as no one has ever abused the Brazilian in such fashion.

Two convincing defenses would follow. First, Jones would accomplish a feat unparalleled within the confines of the octagon: he stopped Quinton “Rampage” Jackson inside the allotted 25 minute timeframe. After a series of exchanges in the vertical position showcased Jones’ striking dominance, but the fight would end on the mat, where Jon applied a slick rear naked choke to bring closure to the bout in the fourth round. Destroying two living legends consecutively however, was not enough for the newly minted champion.

Jones would go on to battle Lyoto Machida next, in what many figured to be the champion’s greatest test to date. And, to some extent it was; Jones was actually hit flush in this bout, and forced into a striking exchange that “The Dragon” edged early. Round two saw a stylistic adjustment from Jon however, and the tactic proved to be a wise one. As the bout neared the close of the second frame, Jones hurt Machida with a big punch, and bullied the Brazilian against the cage. A tight standing guillotine was applied, and moments later another former champion had succumbed to the onslaught of Jon Jones; Machida collapsed face first to the canvas, completely unconscious.