Jon Jones' Major Retirement Decision Sparks Confusion
Jon Jones' Major Retirement Decision Sparks Confusion originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Jon Jones officially announced his unexpected retirement from the UFC on Saturday, shortly after UFC Baku ended in Europe and after Dana White first broke the news of Jones' decision during the post-fight press conference.
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Jones' announcement, one he made on X, effectively ends one of the most dominant and controversial careers in MMA history.
The 37-year-old shared his decision with the world in a detailed message posted to social media, confirming weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future in the heavyweight division and after endless delays to his potential fight against interim champion Tom Aspinall.
The retirement, as announced by White, also makes Aspinall the new, reigning, undisputed UFC Heavyweight champion, effective immediately.
'Today, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the UFC,' Jones wrote on X. 'This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I've experienced over the years.
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Jones thanked White and a few other personalities related to the UFC promotion and the MMA world, as well as fellow fighters, without naming names.
'To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we've shared inside and outside the cage. As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead," Jones wrote. "I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.'
Jon Jones (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stipe Miocic (not pictured) in the heavyweight bout during UFC 309.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The announcement sparked massive confusion among fans as it came out of the blue with nobody expecting such massive news to drop during a post-fight presser of a UFC event held in Europe.
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Here are some reactions from fans sharing all sorts of takes following Jones' announcement.
"You're funny Jon," user @SeanTaIksSports posted, along with a graphic quoting Aspinall saying he'd retire Jones without fighting him.
"So how insulting was the offer?" @Doctor_Degen posted, referencing the endless speculation about the potential unification fight between Aspinall and Jones.
"Noticed how no one is congratulating you for your accomplishments, rather talking about your shortcomings like ducking Aspinall? Tarnished legacy," @WilsonVollyball posted, noting how confusing Jones' career and decisions have been of late.
"So you're retiring from the UFC, not MMA? Are we actually going to get the Ngannou fight?" user @MattBrevner wondered, as Jones didn't make clear his ultimate call.
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"Congratulations on an amazing career and I wish you nothing but the best. Is there a possibility that we can see a Francis Ngannou VS John Jones in the Near future?" user @hightvmeta asked, as it's unclear whether Jones will pursue fights outside of the UFC.
"Hope to see you fight again. I doubt it but would be cool if you came back just for the 'super fights' you were talking about," @snydxr chimed in on the announcement.
"your ego won't allow you to retire. You'll be back," @nizeyourbreak posted, predicting a comeback.
Related: Tom Aspinall's First Words in Reaction to Jon Jones' Announcement
Related: UFC World Reacts to Jon Jones' Unexpected Retirement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
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