Jon Jones shocked the world just last week after hanging up the gloves and bringing an end to a brilliant career, but that retirement could be short-lived.
While his resume in the sport will forever be considered one of the greatest, ‘Bones’s legacy took a hit after he refused to compete against the rightful number one contender, Tom Aspinall. Despite holding up his division before later relinquishing his title, the Hall-of-Famer has now teased a return on social media.
In his late career, Jon Jones has increased his online presence, publicly responding to both those who love and hate him in recent years. When one fan wished Jones a happy retirement, the former two-division UFC champion made an eye-opening remark.
“I appreciate it,” Jones said in response to the fan’s message. “But I’m really not retired.”
Jones continued, insisting that he will spend time away from the octagon traveling the world and meeting MMA fanatics.
“I’ll be all over the country and all over the world. Meeting people who love the sport the most.”
I appreciate it, but I’m really not retired. I’ll be all over the country and all over the world. Meeting people who love the sport the most. https://t.co/ogSiPF5Pe3
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 27, 2025
Despite giving up his champion status and walking away from the sport, things almost went much differently for Jon Jones.
Most were furious with how the UFC heavyweight title picture unfolded over the past two years. Supporters grew even more tired of the then-champion Jones for his mixed signals on retirement, leaving Tom Aspinall and others in the weight class in the dark.
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Though things could have been dealt with much smoother, the 37-year-old admitted that he was being pleaded with to reconsider retiring, which ultimately led to the division being held up for so long.
“I was told 1000 times to just reconsider and just give it more time,” Jones told a fan on X regarding the unfulfilling end to his career. “That’s the truth.”
I was told 1000 times to just reconsider and just give it more time. That’s the truth. https://t.co/LJ5X7MTYtp
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 27, 2025
