Jon Jones signals retirement after UFC 309: “This Is gonna be the last time”

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has strongly hinted at his impending retirement following his upcoming title defense at UFC 309. The event, scheduled for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, will see Jones face off against former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in what is now being billed as a potential swan song for both fighters.

Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, dropped this bombshell during a backstage interview at UFC 306. When asked about his future plans, the champion stated, “This is going to be the last time,” before adding, “More than likely.” This statement has caught many by surprise, as it contradicts recent assertions by UFC CEO Dana White, who had suggested that Jones would continue competing after the Miocic fight.

The 37-year-old Jones has had a storied career in the UFC, dominating the light heavyweight division for years before making a successful transition to heavyweight. His most recent outing saw him capture the vacant heavyweight title with a submission victory over Ciryl Gane in March 2023. However, Jones has been relatively inactive in recent years, competing only once since February 2020.

This potential retirement announcement adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated UFC 309 main event. Both Jones and Miocic are considered legends of the sport, and the possibility that this could be the final fight for either man elevates the stakes to unprecedented levels.

The matchup itself is a dream fight for MMA purists. Jones, with his innovative striking and formidable wrestling, will be facing off against Miocic, widely regarded as the most accomplished heavyweight in UFC history. Miocic, who hasn’t competed since losing his title to Francis Ngannou in March 2021, will be looking to reclaim his spot at the top of the division.

Interestingly, UFC CEO Dana White had previously stated that he believed Miocic would retire after UFC 309 regardless of the outcome, while expecting Jones to continue fighting. White had even suggested that Jones would face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in a title unification bout. However, Jones’ recent comments seem to contradict this plan, potentially leaving Aspinall in limbo.

The betting odds for the fight reflect Jones’ dominance, with the champion listed as a -410 favorite over Miocic, who comes in as a +320 underdog[4]. These odds underscore the challenge facing Miocic as he attempts to reclaim the heavyweight crown in what could be his final octagon appearance.

Jones’ potential retirement would mark the end of an era in MMA. Having captured the light heavyweight title at just 23 years old, Jones has been a dominant force in the sport for over a decade. His move to heavyweight and subsequent title win only added to his legacy as one of the most versatile and skilled fighters in UFC history.

The timing of Jones’ announcement is particularly intriguing, coming just two months before the scheduled fight. It raises questions about his motivation and mindset heading into what could be his final bout. Will the prospect of retirement serve as additional motivation for Jones to cement his legacy with a decisive victory? Or could it potentially distract from his preparation for a dangerous opponent like Miocic?

As we approach fight night, fans and pundits will undoubtedly speculate about Jones’ future and the implications of his potential retirement on the heavyweight division. But for now, the focus remains on what promises to be an epic clash between two of the greatest heavyweights the sport has ever seen, with the added drama of it potentially being the last time we see either man step into the octagon.