Jon Jones claims he has nothing left to prove after fighting Stipe Miocic.
Jones is not due to fight until his return after a three-year absence at UFC 285 in March 2023, where he submitted Ciril Gane to win the heavyweight title. The former light heavyweight champion remains keen to defend his title against Stipe Miocic, whose bout at UFC 295 was cancelled due to Jones injuring a pectoral muscle. That bout is rumored to take place at UFC 309 in November, but the fight card has yet to be officially announced. Jones has hinted at retirement multiple times since the Miocic bout, infuriating interim champion Tom Aspinall, who has long aspired to a title unification bout.
Jones has recently been reinforcing his plans to retire unless UFC makes him an offer he can’t refuse. A fan recently asked Jones for his opinion on footage of Aspinall wrestling retired rugby player Ugo Monye. Jones seemed unimpressed with Aspinall and said he remains focused on Miocic, who was an NCAA Division I wrestler at Cleveland State University.
“Tom seems to be putting on some great UK wrestling,” Jones wrote to X. “My attention is on Stipe. He actually wrestled. [Division I]”He’s the greatest heavyweight of all time at this point. Maybe one day Tom will break Stipe’s record. Right now I’m just focused on the GOAT.”
Looks like Tom is putting on some great UK wrestling. My attention is on Stipe. He actually wrestled in division 1 and is the best heavyweight of all time at the moment. Maybe Tom will break Stipe’s records one day. Now my attention is on the goat. https://t.co/5qpMhdsE3x
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
Jones has since continued to downplay the possibility of a fight with Aspinall, claiming that he has never been offered such a bout. “Bones” has repeatedly defended his retirement plans, claiming that his already established status will only change if he takes one “random” fight. According to Jones, the ideal situation would be to retire after fighting Miocic.
The great thing about my position is that I’m not defined by one fight. Most of you grew up watching me win.
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
I think a video recently resurfaced of me saying that the only fight I’m interested in after Stipe is Francis. That video was recorded over a year ago. Before I got injured, before the Intercontinental Champions were decided. I was already…
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
There are literally fighters all over the world who, deep down, think, “I can beat Jon Jones.” They’re not going to build a statue of you. Go out there and win some more fights and make your name bigger. That’s the only way.
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
I’m 37 now and I’ve beaten everyone else. My job is to hang in there and make a great movie. 😘 Go with Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather and all the other great retired athletes.
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
Whenever fans have accused Jones of avoiding Aspinall, “Bones” has laughed it off, saying they are begging for him to return because the heavyweight division is no fun without him, and Jones has left the door open to a return should the UFC come up with an extraordinary offer.
It feels good to leave knowing my sport was literally begging me to continue. Maybe UFC will offer me a deal I can’t refuse. https://t.co/l5GlibxZzP
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
Hahaha, you guys have really been begging me lately. Is the heavyweight division really boring without me? https://t.co/SuNWaKYFFC
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
That’s fair https://t.co/QD7iAbzREU
— BONY (@JonnyBones)
August 20, 2024
Aspinall has attacked Jones on multiple occasions, most recently posting a skit mocking the champion. In response to Jones’ latest tweet, Aspinall wondered whether it was the skit or his own skill that influenced his retirement plans. Aspinall asked Jones to hand over the title if he beats Miocic. Aspinall is now calling Miocic Joe Biden.
“Would you say you retired him because of that video or because of my fight?,” Miocic wrote on his Instagram Story. “If I beat Biden, make sure you give him the belt when I leave the Octagon.”
Tom Aspinall responds to Jon Jones 👀
“If I beat Biden, make sure I hand him the belt when I leave the Octagon.”
(via IG / Follow)
#UFC
#Mixed Martial Arts
pic.twitter.com/CGUWZ3HSzH
— Championship Round (@ChampRDS)
August 20, 2024
