5 reasons why Jon Jones may never return to fighting
It has been nearly three years since Jon Jones last stepped inside the octagon. The former UFC light heavyweight champion is one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. However, his desire to fight has recently been called into question due to a range of different variables.
The 205-pound legend has been talking about debuting in the heavyweight division since the days of Cain Velasquez's reign as the heavyweight champion. Despite his promises, 'Bones' is yet to make an appearance in the UFC's heaviest division. Furthermore, his last appearance inside the octagon left a lot to be desired.
Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes. While he mounted a successful title defense, it was one of the UFC legend's worst performances. Many observers felt that Dominick Reyes did enough to dethrone him despite the unanimous decision verdict from the judges.
In the aftermath of the bout, Jon Jones vacated his light heavyweight title. He expressed his desire to fully commit to a heavyweight run, but it's been nearly three years since he has competed in the octagon. This list compiles five reasons why Jon Jones may never return to fighting again.
#5. Jon Jones is comfortable where he is
Throughout his career, Jon Jones has been a reliable PPV draw. He has been a star across different eras alongside the likes of Anderson Silva, Ronda Rousey, and Conor McGregor. Thus, during his time in the UFC, 'Bones' has earned a considerable amount of money.
The former champion is a multi-millionaire. It is often said that money has a direct impact on a fighter's motivation. Fans typically use this line of thinking to explain Conor McGregor's less-than-stellar performances in recent times. There is no reason why the same logic can't be applied to Jon Jones.
UFC's Dana White Says Jon Jones 'Made Enough Money,' in a Position to Retire dlvr.it/RXr0M8 https://t.co/PKJGVlAIzU
Money is an incentive for all UFC fighters. They're martial artists, yes, but they're also prize fighters. 'Bones' has earned more than most MMA fighters could ever hope to. Thus, without the motivation of needing to fight, he may never return, given that he has enough money to live comfortably for the rest of his life.
The fact that he has spent nearly three years away from the octagon indicates that he is under no pressure to maintain his current financial position.
#4. His legacy is secure
MMA fighters are typically motivated by either money or legacy. Some are motivated by both of those things. In Jon Jones' case, not only has he earned an absurd amount of money, but he has also built a legacy that is the envy of most of his colleagues in the UFC.
The former champion holds countless accolades. He is the longest reigning UFC light heavyweight champion in history. Furthermore, he holds the record for the most title defenses in the division. He also tied Demetrious Johnson's record for the most title defenses in the promotion's history.
Jon Jones' victory over Dominick Reyes tonight further cements his UFC legacy:
14 title fight wins, most in UFC history.
11 title defenses, tied with Demetrious Johnson for most in UFC history.
20 victories in a single division, 1st fighter in UFC history to accomplish this. https://t.co/WKFtvMTc0M
Additionally, 'Bones' holds the longest unbeaten streak in UFC history. His statistical greatness is such that Jon Jones has also defeated more former UFC champions than any other fighter on the roster. Only Amanda Nunes matches that accolade as she, too, has defeated seven different UFC champions.
Due to the strength of his legacy, it's unlikely that 'Bones' will feel motivated enough to return. The only accomplishment missing from his résumé is capturing a title in another division. That might not even be enough to entice him, given the heavyweight division's shallowness. Why else take a near-three-year absence?
#3. He wants more money than the UFC is willing to offer him
At one point in time, Jon Jones seemed to be on a collision course with reigning heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. This was the case prior to the Cameroonian's successful ascension to the divisional throne, and that was the case afterward.
Dana White says Jon Jones asked him for what Deontay Wilder was making. About $30mil #UFCVegas https://t.co/4kl1Uyo2tP
However, one obstacle kept the bout from happening. Both 'Bones' and 'The Predator' requested greater financial compensation from the UFC. Unfortunately, Dana White and the promotion's upper management didn't budge. Their unwillingness to bend to Jon Jones' demands will be difficult to overcome.
According to Dana White, 'Bones' asked to be paid similarly to heavyweight boxing star Deontay Wilder. The former champion's demands were turned down and negotiations seemed to stall. Considering that Jon Jones has not fought since 2020, it's likely his demands are still not being met.
#2. He is scared of losing
Fighters aren't usually scared of other fighters. Jon Jones himself is almost certainly not scared of any foe. However, the fear of loss or failure in the one area in which he is truly exceptional is a stronger possibility. Despite the disqualification loss on his record, 'Bones' is technically undefeated.
No foe has ever defeated him by being his superior fighter inside the octagon. However, the former champion's last two bouts were far closer than he was used to. A one-legged Thiago Santos fought him to a split decision. Meanwhile, Dominick Reyes pushed him to his very limit.
Jan Blachowicz shared that Jon Jones is scared to make a UFC return because everyone in LHW division can beat him. https://t.co/SVNh7kvPc2
After two of the most challenging fights of his career, the Greco-Roman wrestler embarked on a sabbatical. He later expressed an interest in challenging himself in a shallower division like heavyweight. Yet, after more than two years, he seems no closer to making his heavyweight debut.
Fellow former titleholder Jan Błachowicz recently suggested that Jon Jones' fear of losing is keeping him from returning. It's entirely possible that the American's last two bouts were close enough that he does not want to risk tarnishing his legacy with a loss should he return.
#1. His personal life is getting in the way
Jon Jones is a troubled individual. He has failed multiple drug tests, whether for PEDs or otherwise. He was found guilty of a hit-and-run incident and has been the recipient of a battery charge from a waitress at a strip club. However, the most shocking incident he was involved in was his domestic violence arrest.
After his historic first bout with Alexander Gustafsson was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Jon Jones was the subject of an arrest. Employees at the hotel where he was staying at helped contact the authorities on his fiancée's behalf. Jessie Moses, the former champion's fiancée, was battered and shaken.
Jon Jones is “temporarily suspended” from Jackson Wink MMA, the gym’s spokesperson wrote in a statement to @marc_raimondi.
The suspension comes in the wake of Jones facing charges of felony injuring or tampering with a vehicle and misdemeanor battery domestic violence. https://t.co/Y8vGt9LHEt
Once 'Bones' was arrested, his behavior was unruly. Not only did he headbutt a police vehicle, but he also threatened the arresting officers. The incident culminated with Jessie Moses eventually separating from him.
Behind closed doors, Jones is bound to be dealing with more of his own issues. Not too long ago, the former champion claimed to have been the victim of childhood sexual assault. Thus, it's possible that 'Bones' might be held up by other challenges.