UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has unearthed a deeper connection to his roots, with a recent DNA test revealing that he is 42% Nigerian.
Jones, who recently defended his title at UFC 309 with a third-round TKO victory over 42-year-old Stipe Miocic, learned of his ancestry through a genetic test reported by ESPN. The analysis confirmed that the mixed martial artist is predominantly of African descent, with 96% of his lineage tracing back to the continent.
The breakdown includes 42% Nigerian ancestry, 24% from Cameroon, Congo, and Southern Bantu, 18% from Mali, and 5% from Benin and Togo. The remaining 4% reflects European origins, specifically from England, Wales, and Northwestern Europe.
Although Jones’s Nigerian heritage is significant, the test did not specify which ethnic group or tribe he is connected to. Nigeria is a nation of vast cultural diversity, home to major groups like the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and many others.
Born in Rochester, New York, Jones is the son of Pastor Arthur and Camille Jones. The discovery adds a new layer to the champion’s identity and his connection to African heritage, which he has occasionally referenced in his career.
This revelation adds Jones to a growing list of prominent figures who have traced their ancestry back to Nigeria, further highlighting the global reach and influence of the country’s diaspora.