CSAC Executive Director makes his opinion clear on overturning Jon Jones's 12-6 elbow DQ loss to Matt Hamill: "I'd be actually supportive"
Jon Jones has not entered the octagon since March 2023 when he defeated Ciryl Gane via first-round submission to capture the vacant heavyweight at UFC 285. He is set to make his highly-anticipated return against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 later this month in a bout that has been well over a year in the making and could be the final bout of his illustrious mixed martial arts career.
California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster recently revealed that he is supportive of overturning the only loss on Jones' resume, which came against Matt Hamill via disqualification due to 12-6 elbows. Speaking to Ariel Helwani on his show, he discussed the possibility following a rule change allowing the move, stating:
"The rule was what it was then. It's different now. It would be hard to go back - I'd be actually supportive of getting rid of that, but it's not my decision. But I think it's hard to go back with the rule being different than it is now."
Foster noted that he would like the bout to be ruled a no-contest before adding:
"I didn't like the way [the rule] was enforced back then, but I mean, that's 14 years ago... We're talking about 14 years of time. I thought there were others that you might could handle that situation other than flat giving the guy a loss."
Check out Andy Foster's comments on Jon Jones' loss being overturned below:
Jones was beating Hamill with a vicious ground-and-pound in their 'The Ultimate Fighter': Heavyweights Finale clash and repeatedly looked for the referee to stop the bout. When the bout was called, 'Bones' was disqualified for striking his opponent with 12-6 elbows. Both fighters as well as UFC CEO Dana White, and countless others, have expressed that the result should be overturned.
Jon Jones responds to fans blueprint for the end of his career
Jon Jones was forced to withdraw from UFC 295 last November as he tore the tendon connecting the pectoral muscle to the bone. He recently shared footage of himself working out as he prepares to return from the injury. 'Bones' posted several clips to Instagram, captioning the post:
"240 pounds, fast and strong. I used to walk around at 235lbs as a light heavyweight. This almost feels like a light heavyweight fight without the weight cut. @mr_nfp @jjstanbro"
@whitewomencomedy responded by suggesting he face Miocic, Alex Pereira, and Francis Ngannou before retiring:
"Stipe, Pereira and Frances submit em all and then Retire! Nothing else you need!"
'Bones' was seemingly in favor of the suggestion, adding:
"@whitewomencomedy I like where your heads at, super fights only."
Check out Jon Jones' Instagram post and his back-and-forth with a fan below:
Pereira and Ngannou both appear to be unrealistic opponents as the former has shared that he won't move to heavyweight and the latter has left the promotion. Furthermore, Jones has hinted that his upcoming clash with Stipe Miocic will mark his final trip to the octagon.