Jones’ retirement from fighting was unceremonious to say the
least.
While Jones (28-1) was teasing a return to fighting until recently,
the former
UFC double champ is no longer considering it. “Bones” recently
confirmed that he is now focused on his business ventures and won’t
fight again.
“No bare-knuckle. My gloves are hung up,” Jones said at an IBA bare-knuckle boxing event in
Russia last month. “I’m chilling these days. You got business
Jon
Jones. No more fighter Jon Jones. The
businessman.”
Jones initially returned to action after a three-year hiatus in
2023 and made quick work of Ciryl Gane
to win the UFC heavyweight title. Jones then insisted on defending
the title against Stipe
Miocic despite Tom
Aspinall being the interim champ. Jones successfully defended
the title against Miocic in 2024 and stalled the division,
continuing to avoid Aspinall.
Failed Bid for the White House
While Dana White kept promising that Jones would fight Aspinall,
“Bones” abruptly retired in June 2025. However, Jones returned to
the testing pool and started rallying for a spot on the
UFC White House card as soon as it was first mentioned. Despite
his best efforts, Jones failed to land a spot on the White House
card, which was officially announced last month. While White said
that Jones was never part of the plan for the White House, “Bones”
hinted that the UFC was in negotiations with him. Jones has since
publicly asked for his UFC release.