Jon Jones’ retirement was announced by Dana White just days ago. With a potential Tom Aspinall fight on the horizon, fans were surprised to hear the update. However, Jones dropped some more news on his retirement. And it was pretty much shocking. The former UFC heavyweight champion stated that he had already retired last year!
Jones recently took to X to reflect on his life post-retirement. ‘Bones’ mentioned that his decision to retire did not come suddenly. In fact, he had already retired last November. This was right after his title fight with Stipe Miocic. Now, Jones did hint at him calling it a day last year. It now looks like he did stick to his word after all.
“I was retired last November and I’ve been working nonstop, I’m actually working harder now that I’m not fighting, but it’s so much fun. No more sweating, just using my personality and giving fans all the love that I can. Sounds like a pretty good gig,” said Jones.
Jon Jones claims he was retired last year in November 👀😲
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 27, 2025
“I was retired last November and I’ve been working nonstop, I’m actually working harder now that I’m not fighting, but it’s so much fun. No more sweating, just using my personality and giving fans all the love that I… pic.twitter.com/KwDZ5oIE7C
In his retirement note, Jones vowed to work for the sport. ‘Bones’ stated that he will be looking to make some active contributions towards the betterment of the sport. However, all these have not stopped the fans from criticizing the former champ. Jones has been called out for not facing Tom Aspinall. Thankfully, a former UFC legend holds an entirely contrasting view.
Rashad Evans Hails Jon Jones’ Decision To Retire
UFC legend Rashad Evans does not align with the general consensus. In a recent statement, Evans shrugged off the ‘ducking’claims. Speaking on the matter, the UFC icon said that a fight with Aspinall surely would have been interesting. But Jones does not have anything to prove. After achieving so much, one bout does not make much of a difference.
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“I think it’s a smart move. Because the fight with Tom Aspinall was a very interesting fight. But he is at the point of the game where he has done it all. He has achieved the unachievable it would be great for us fans. To see him but at the end of the day what does it really do for him. Tom Aspinall is just another opponent his legacy outweighs that,” Evans said.
"Jon Jones retiring? It's a smart move," says Rashad Evans. Jones’ former teammate from Albuquerque’s Jackson-Wink MMA thinks that retiring was a smart move for Jon, who has “achieved the unachievable in this sport.” @SugaRashadEvans @JonnyBones pic.twitter.com/naxJOT8aGd
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 25, 2025
Thus, with things looking quite upbeat, it now remains to be seen how Jon Jones’s situation pans out.
Also Read: UFC Announces Tom Aspinall As The New Heavyweight Champion As Jon Jones Retires
