Jon Jones Seeks to Erase Only Loss from Record as UFC Lifts 12-6 Elbow Ban
Jon Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. However, his pristine record is marred by a single blemish—a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2009. This solitary defeat, resulting from the use of 12-6 elbows, may soon be under reconsideration as the controversial technique becomes legal in November 2024.
The Controversial 12-6 Elbow Ban
On December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, Jones faced Hamill in what was his fourth UFC bout. Dominating the fight from the outset, Jones appeared set for another victory. However, a series of 12-6 elbows—strikes delivered vertically with the point of the elbow—led to his disqualification. The decision, made by referee Steve Mazzagatti, was immediate and came without warning, as these strikes were prohibited under the Unified Rules of MMA.
The ban on 12-6 elbows, established in 2000, has long been a contentious issue in the MMA community. Critics argue that the prohibition was based on misconceptions rather than evidence, suggesting that the technique is no more dangerous than other legal strikes. The rule’s enforcement has often been inconsistent, causing confusion among fighters and officials alike.
New Developments in 2024: Rule Changes and Appeals
In a significant development, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports committee recently voted unanimously to lift the ban on 12-6 elbows, effective from November 1, 2024. This change paves the way for a more consistent and logical rule set in the sport. With the rule’s removal, Jones has expressed a desire to have his disqualification loss expunged from his record. He took to Instagram, urging UFC CEO Dana White to support this effort: “Undefeated then, undefeated now,” Jones wrote. “@danawhite we gotta get that loss out of the history books.”
While Jones previously appealed the result of the Hamill fight, the Nevada Athletic Commission did not consider his arguments at the time. However, with the rule change, there may be grounds for a new appeal. As journalist Ariel Helwani noted, “Jon Jones can appeal his 2009 loss to Matt Hamill in an attempt to have it overturned to a no contest (not a win), but considering nearly 15 years have passed, this may prove challenging.”
The Future of Jon Jones in the UFC
The potential removal of this loss from Jones’ record would officially recognise his dominance in the sport. Regardless of the appeal’s outcome, Jones continues to cement his legacy in the UFC. With the lifting of the 12-6 elbow ban, fighters can now utilise a wider range of techniques, potentially changing the dynamics of future bouts.
As Jones eyes a future free of the lone defeat on his record, the UFC landscape in 2024 and beyond promises to be as thrilling as ever. The sport’s evolution continues, with rule changes and emerging stars shaping the narratives of tomorrow.
