Jon Jones’ training partner shares insights on possible retirement after UFC 309 clash with Stipe Miocic
Jon Jones may be fighting for one final time when he faces off against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Well, that's according to the heavyweight champion's training partner, Gordon Ryan.
'The King' has been part of Jones' last two training camps, which have both been in preparation for a fight with Miocic. The pair were initially scheduled to clash at UFC 295 in 2023 before 'Bones' suffered an injury ruling him out of the bout.
Prior to the champion's injury, Ryan accidentally hinted that the New York native would call time on his career following the UFC 295 event.
It appears that the Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon has done so once again. Ahead of his UFC 309 clash with Miocic, the 38-year-old took to social media to thank his training partners for their contributions to his preparation.
He wrote this:
"I’m so blessed to have one of the strongest teams in mixed martial arts history. What started as friendships have become unbreakable brotherhoods. My coaches have given me their absolute best, sacrificing nights away from their families. To my loyal teammates, there aren’t enough ways to express my thanks."
Then, Ryan wrote this in the comments section:
"1 more"
Check out Jon Jones' post below:
Jon Jones eyes Alex Pereira over Tom Aspinall next
After Jon Jones suffered a torn pectoral tendon, which forced him out of UFC 295 against Stipe Miocic, the pair was replaced with an interim title clash between Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich.
Aspinall secured a first-round knockout win to claim the interim belt and has called for a clash with 'Bones' ever since. But the American has expressed little interest in returning and recently revealed his plans for a potential fight with Alex Pereira should Jones beat Miocic at UFC 309.
The 38-year-old was recently interviewed by Kevin Iole, who asked the heavyweight champion if he would face Aspinall next. He responded with this:
"More than likely not. I feel like Tom Aspinall is, I don't want to say 'nobody' but he just hasn't proven anything. He hasn't done anything. And I understand that, I mean, he won his belt against Sergei... I'm not here to gamble someone else making a name off of me... If there were to be a fight [with] a guy that's still on the UFC roster that would be, not only financially worth it, but 'legacy' worth it, it would be Alex Pereira."
Check out Jon Jones' comments below (7:55):