Jon Jones could be pumping the brakes on plans to end his UFC retirement.
Jones is a surefire Hall of Famer once he decides to walk away from pro MMA competition for good. “Bones” already announced his retirement from competition only to reveal comeback plans shortly after. Jones was even open to a wrestling match with his longtime rival Daniel Cormier before being diagnosed with arthritis in his left hip.
While Jones has expressed interest in a fight with Alex Pereira on the UFC White House card, some feel that “Bones” will ultimately stay retired. In an interview with Helen Yee, the former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight titleholder admitted that his fighting days might be over.
“I think I could be done,” Jones said. “I’m young enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world. I am healthy enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world, but I’ve always been used to competing with the best in the world. It’s a really high standard to uphold. So, maybe it’s just about doing it, doing it right, and getting out at a really good time.”
Jones also recalled meeting one former fighter who was severing from memory issues due to how his career played out.
“I don’t want to be one of these fighters that win some and lose some and can’t remember what your name is,” Jones said. “I met a fighter a few years ago. He didn’t know when his birthday was. That’s a lot of fighting. I’m far from that and I don’t even want to know what that looks like.”
If Jones is indeed done, then he’ll go down as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. While he’s at the top of many lists, others argue that past anti-doping infractions shouldn’t be ignored. Regardless, Jones’ abilities as an elite MMA star were never in question.
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