Jon Jones may retire after Stipe Miocic bout
Rumors are swirling that Jon Jones’ retirement may be around the corner. Jones himself has now added validation to that claim. In an interview with Fox Sports Australia Jones explained that he may retire after his rumored bout with Stipe Miocic.
“I think the Stipe fight will be plenty for me,” Jones said. “I feel like I don’t really have much to prove after beating Stipe Miocic. I’ve been in the game a long time, and, in fighter years, I’m an old guy. I’ve been training for a long time; I’ve been in the game for a long time and got some small injuries.
Quote via The Score
Jones is heavily expected to defend the UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic, despite the fight not being official. A fight against Miocic will help Jones strengthen his already elite resume after cementing his legacy as the GOAT at UFC 285. If he can add a win over Miocic, one of the best heavyweights of all time, his resume would be tough to surpass.
If Jones opts to retire, it should not come by surprise. In the past, UFC President Dana White has stated that Jones’ fight against Miocic will be his last. Still, hearing it for Jones only strengthens the chance that his retirement is around the corner.
Although, Jones did add a caveat that could result in another bout.
“I do believe a Francis Ngannou fight would be worth entertaining not retiring,” Jones said. “I think a Francis fight would come with some serious revenue, and that would make it worth my while. Francis is a former champion. He’s pretty damn popular here in America and across the world. He’s very well known. It would bring in a lot of money, and for that, I would be willing to come back.”
Quote via The Score
A potential fight between Jones and Francis Ngannou has long been discussed as a fight that needs to happen. It feels really unlikely that this bout occurs. This fight became far harder to book after the UFC released Ngannou. It does not help that Ngannou has said the fight will probably never happen, but that has not stopped the pair from talking trash tough.
If Jon Jones truly opts to retire after his fight with Miocic, he will go down as one of the best fighters of all time. That said, it would certainly be entertaining to see him stick around and attempt to beat the next generation of heavyweights like Sergei Pavlovich, Tom Aspinall and others.
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