Jon Jones hints at retirement after his next fight, plans to "finish strong": "Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather"
Jon Jones last entered the octagon in March 2023 as he defeated Ciryl Gane via first-round submission at UFC 285 to capture the vacant heavyweight title. He was set to return against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November, however, 'Bones' was forced to withdraw from his first title defense in the division after he tore the tendon that connects the pectoral muscle to the bone.
The heavyweight champion recently took to X to hint at retirement, tweeting:
"There are fighters literally all over the world that think in the back of their mind I can beat Jon Jones. There will be no statues of you. Go out and win more, make your name greater, that is the only way you do it."
'Bones' followed that up by comparing himself to legends Tom Brady and Floyd Mayweather, stating:
"I’m 37 years old now, I’ve kicked everyone’s ass. My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. 😘 go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather, and all the other retired bad asses."
Jones then responded to a fan who claimed he was scared of Tom Aspinall, adding:
"It feels good to know on the way out your sport was literally begging you to continue. You never know, maybe the Ufc will offer me a deal I can’t refuse."
Check out Jon Jones' tweets on retirement below:
Jones has hinted at retirement since capturing the heavyweight title, however, those plans have been delayed by his injury. It is unclear if Aspinall's status as the interim heavyweight champion could intrigue him into further delaying the end of his illustrious mixed martial arts career.
Jon Jones notes that one fight does not define his legacy
Jon Jones is widely considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. He holds a plethora of UFC records and has continued to dominate the sport for nearly 15 years. While some have accused him of ducking interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, 'Bones' made it clear that one fight does not define his legacy.
He took to X on Tuesday, stating:
"The beautiful thing about being my position is, I’m not defined by one fight. Most of you grew up watching me win"
Check out Jon Jones' tweet on his legacy below:
Despite claims that he is looking for an easier route to a title defense by facing Stipe Miocic, it should be noted that the pair were scheduled to face one another before Jones' injury. Furthermore, the bout was rescheduled and new contracts were signed ahead of Aspinall capturing the interim heavyweight title when he defeated Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295.