The Retirement Tease: Jon Jones Can’t Stop Talking About Fighting Again
Is Jon Jones really retired? That’s the million-dollar question on every MMA fan’s mind right now. The self-proclaimed GOAT announced his retirement on June 22nd, even going as far as relinquishing the UFC heavyweight title. But something doesn’t add up…
The man can’t stop talking about fighting again.
The Shortest Retirement in UFC History?
I’ve covered combat sports for years, and I’ve seen my fair share of “retirements.” Conor McGregor has retired more times than I’ve changed my oil. GSP hung up his gloves only to return for that middleweight title. But Jones? This might be the most transparent retirement facade I’ve ever witnessed.
Let’s be real here – Jones announced his retirement less than a month ago, and he’s already dropping more hints about returning than a teenager fishing for birthday gift suggestions.
Why Fighters “Retire” When They Don’t Mean It
There’s a playbook for this kind of thing in combat sports:
- Leverage for better pay – Nothing says “pay me more” like threatening to walk away
- Time to heal injuries – Fighting with a bum knee? Take a “retirement” break
- Testing the waters – Seeing how much fans and the UFC actually care
- Avoiding USADA testing pool – Not saying this is Jones’ reason, but it’s a classic move
What Jon Jones Is Actually Saying
Jones has been particularly vocal on social media, hinting at potential matchups that make his “retirement” seem more like a brief intermission. The heavyweight champ (yes, I’m still calling him that) has specifically mentioned:
| Potential Opponent | Jones’ Interest Level | Likelihood Scale (1-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | Actively discussing | 8 |
| Stipe Miocic | Unfinished business | 9 |
| Alex Pereira | Intrigued by the matchup | 6 |
The Financial Reality Check
You don’t walk away from million-dollar paydays easily. Jones is likely looking at a significant payday for his next fight, especially if it’s against someone like interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. The numbers I’m hearing would make most fighters un-retire faster than Dana White can say “we’ll see what happens.”
The Dana White Factor
Dana’s been suspiciously quiet about Jones’ retirement. Usually, when a champion of Jones’ caliber retires, the UFC president is front and center, either trying to talk them out of it or singing their praises. The lack of fanfare tells me there’s more happening behind the scenes.
When asked about Jones at recent press conferences, Dana gives that smirk – you know the one – that says, “Just wait and see.”
The Fans’ Reaction
The MMA community isn’t buying this retirement either. My social media has been flooded with fans betting on when, not if, Jones will announce his comeback. The consensus? Most think he’ll be back in the octagon before the end of 2024.
One fan tweeted: “Jones’ retirement is about as real as WWE wrestling.” Harsh, but not entirely wrong.
What This Means for the Heavyweight Division
Tom Aspinall now holds the interim heavyweight title, and he’s been vocal about wanting to face Jones. If Jones truly stays retired (I’ll eat my press credentials if he does), the division moves on. But everyone knows a Jones return would immediately reshuffle the entire heavyweight landscape.
The Legacy Question
Jones has always been obsessed with his legacy. Retiring now, with the heavyweight title just added to his resume, would be a perfect storybook ending. But fighters rarely get those perfect endings – the allure of “just one more” is too strong.
I’ve seen it countless times – the competitive fire burns too hot in these elite athletes. Jones is no exception.
My Prediction
I’ve been covering Jones since his early UFC days, and I’m calling it now: He’ll be back in the octagon within 12 months. This “retirement” is simply a negotiation tactic and a way to build anticipation for his next blockbuster fight.
The only question is whether it will be against Aspinall, Stipe, or someone else entirely. My money’s on the Stipe fight happening first – it was already in the works before Jones’ sudden “retirement.”
What Should UFC Fans Do Now?
Sit back, enjoy the drama, and don’t throw away your “Bones” t-shirts just yet. This retirement announcement is just another chapter in the complex story of one of MMA’s most controversial and talented fighters.
What do you think? Is Jones truly retired, or is this all part of a bigger plan? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Vox