When Jon Jones made his UFC debut at UFC 87 in 2008 against Andre Gusmao, there were already signs of greatness. Accepting the fight on two weeks’ notice, Jones announced his arrival by blending in his takedowns with a variety of strikes like spinning elbows and more. Then, at UFC 128 in 2011, when he was just 23 years old, Jones became the youngest fighter to win a UFC title by beating Mauricio Rua for the light-heavyweight crown.

With eleven successful defenses in two reigns atop the 205 lbs. division, there’s no denying Jones’s dominance. Now, as he gears up to defend his undisputed heavyweight crown against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, the UFC legend has shared an intriguing update about his age and the passage of time while training with some young stars in the world of combat sports!

Jon Jones admits to feeling his age as he enlists Gordon Ryan and Gable Steveson to train for UFC 309 

When Jon Jones steps into the cage at UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, it’ll be his 24th time making the walk out to the Octagon. The two were originally scheduled to clash at UFC 295 in 2023, but a torn pectoral tendon suffered by Jones during training derailed those plans for the promotion.

But the years of dominance have not gone unnoticed by Jones himself. In a recent post shared on X, he stated, “I feel every bit of 37 hanging out with these two. It’s humbling, but I’m grateful.” Jones was joined in the video by the 2020 Summer Olympic gold medal winner in wrestling, Gable Steveson, and BJJ phenom, Gordon Ryan.

It’s interesting to note that Steveson is currently 24 years old, just a year older than Jones was when he won the light heavyweight title from Rua. Meanwhile Ryan, at 29, has already cemented his place as arguably the best no-gi grappler on the planet with 7 ADCC titles and 3 IBJJF no-gi titles under his belt.

But training with Jon Jones comes with some perils! In another video shared on Instagram, Jones almost knocked out Steveson with a flying knee during training. Thankfully, no one was hurt and Jones even apologized for his instinctive response to the takedown attempt. With ‘Bones’ looking sharp as ever despite training with young stars and being 37, it does cast a shadow of doubt on his previous claims that, “Fun fact, after this year, Jon Jones will never have to work again. Retired at age 37. Winning.”

As he prepares for his first heavyweight title defense at UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic, the MMA legend is facing more than just physical challenges of his age—he’s going up against rumors surrounding his physique as well!

‘Bones’ fires back against critics of his physical transformation  

Jon Jones is no stranger to criticism. After a long break due to his injury, Jones returned to social media, flaunting his newly chiseled physique. And while many fans were quick to praise his lean, muscular form, others raised eyebrows, questioning if his transformation was achieved naturally.

Jones, always one to face criticism head-on, had a bit of fun with the accusations. He took to X and stated, “They were just calling me fat. Now I’m on steroids. I love it.” His response, dripping with sarcasm, showed that even as one of the sport’s greatest, Jones isn’t immune to the chatter. But why all the noise?

Before his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in 2023, fans were skeptical of his appearance, pointing out that Jones looked like a far cry from his 205 lbs. days. But he silenced the doubters by winning in dominant fashion.

Now as, ‘Bones’ gears up for UFC 309, the stakes have never been higher. At 37, he’s facing not only the legendary Stipe Miocic but also ‘Father Time’. With the undisputed heavyweight crown on the line and his career nearing a crossroads, one question remains, can Jon Jones defy the odds once again? Let us know what you think in the comments below!