Jones’ plan has long been to beat Stipe Miocic and then retire. Is he coming back to that after endless harassment from UFC fans?
Is Jon Jones going to retire after fighting Stipe Miocic in November?
“Bones” is currently expected to defend the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 309, set for Madison Square Garden on November 16th. The big question many have is whether he’ll decide to stick around if he wins that fight to unify the heavyweight championship against interim belt holder Tom Aspinall.
In a new interaction with a random fan talking trash, Jones seemed to imply he wouldn’t.
“Fun fact after this year Jon Jones will never have to work again,” Jones wrote. “Retired at age 37. Winning.”
Fan: Jon Jones is a wife beater
Jon Jones: Yeah but I’m rich pic.twitter.com/cQiGlM6JpH
— Super Fan (@McGregorRousey2) August 9, 2024
This isn’t the first time Jones has teased retirement following a win over Miocic. For a long time that was the well established plan: return, win the heavyweight title, defeat the greatest heavyweight champion, then bounce with his legacy as GOAT secured. This was the story shared by teammates and coaches.
That may be why Jones continues to downplay a Tom Aspinall fight. To Jon, Tom is just the latest hyped opponent that’s supposed to keep him busy. He’s fought those for years and has no interest in being forced to fight the next big thing unless there’s solid records and stats to back that opponent up.
All the hate he’s receiving from internet trolls doesn’t seem to be warming him up to the idea of an Aspinall fight. If anything, it’s making him dig in on retiring on top after following through with his original plan.