Jon Jones, the dominant UFC Heavyweight Champion, has had a curious turn of events, as a groundbreaking rule change could potentially erase his only career loss. This unexpected opportunity comes from a rule alteration by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) Committee, which has eliminated the controversial '12 to 6 elbow' rule.
Jones' solitary blemish on his otherwise impressive 27-1 record came in 2009, a disqualification loss against Matt Hamill, the only fighter to have ever defeated him. The defeat occurred due to Jones' illegal use of downward elbows, resulting in a bloodied Hamill being awarded victory.
With the new rule eliminating the '12 to 6 elbow' penalty, Jones has expressed his desire to have his loss against Hamill changed to a No Contest. He took to Instagram, writing: "Undefeated then, undefeated now.. @danawhite we gotta get that loss out of the history books," tagging UFC CEO Dana White.
Hamill, however, didn't hesitate to respond, taking advantage of the situation by requesting a rematch with the current Heavyweight Champion. The 47-year-old veteran wrote on Instagram, "Let's cut this chaseâ¦@danawhite - I know you're desperate to get @jonnybones an undefeated record. I see how you want to profit from that! Is also why you bail him out of all the other things."
He continued, "How about a rematch?! I'll be happy to fight him for a heavyweight title. If I beat him, I want a UFC belt. Let me know if Stipe Miocic backs out. I'll take short notice, just remember he already lost to me!"
Hamill, known as "The Hammer," last fought in 2018, winning a split decision against Chris Birchler. He has been out of the UFC since 2013, having lost three of his last four fights. Despite his recent struggles, Hamill boasts a notable career, having defeated fighters like Mark Munoz, Keith Jardine, and former champion Tito Ortiz. His achievements are even more impressive considering he has been deaf since birth.
While a rematch between Jones and Hamill appears unlikely, the UFC Heavyweight Champion is scheduled for a legacy fight against former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, rumored to take place in New York City in November. UFC President Dana White has also confirmed that the winner of the interim title fight between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 this weekend will face the victor of Jones vs. Miocic.
The elimination of the '12 to 6 elbow' rule has certainly stirred up the MMA world. The possibility of Jones' record being rectified and Hamill's unexpected demand for a rematch add a fascinating twist to the narrative of the UFC Heavyweight division.
