One emotional and heart-touching aspect of the otherwise brutal sport of MMA is seeing your favorite fighter hang his gloves. Over the years, fans have witnessed many legendary moments of MMA veterans walking out of the octagon for the last. Now, as the end of 2023 draws in, MMA fans are also expecting the retirement of MMA GOAT Jon Jones.
Ever since his return to the octagon in UFC 285, fans and pundits alike have been talking about Jon Jones’ retirement. With 27 victories,1 loss, and 1 NC, Jones is 36 years old and has repeatedly talked about moving on from the world of MMA. In his next fight, ‘Bones’ defends his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic, in what can be his last bout. Recently, UFC President Dana White also laid bare his thoughts on the possibility of the legend finally taking a retirement, or if Bones still got some left in him.
Dana White opens up about the retirement of Jon Jones
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In a podcast appearance with Mike Tyson, Dana White contemplated the possibility of Jones’ retirement following his bout with Stipe Miocic. Recognizing Jones’ exceptional prowess, White acknowledged that the fighter’s impending retirement is in discussion.
“It could be. I mean Jon’s talking about retiring after that fight, but we’ll see what happens. We’ll see how it plays out,” he said. Despite Jones’ potential farewell, White acknowledged the uncertainties that lie ahead. Moreover, he contemplated the significance of potential challenges for Jones after Miocic and how a victory could shape his decision.
“He’s so f*cking good, it’s just… and I think it’ll depend on what challenges are out there for him after that fight if he wins and if he can beat Stipe,” he said. So it isn’t wrong to say that the outcome of this UFC 295 fight and the allure of future opportunities will ultimately dictate Jones’ path.
Will Jones get his credit post-retirement?
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Further, the UFC President acknowledged the heavyweight champ’s unparalleled status. White suggested that true recognition of Jones’ greatness will come when he departs the scene. Moreover, he accentuated the 36-year-old’s remarkable prowess, labeling him an extraordinary force in the world of fighting.
“Jon Jones is one of those guys, that when he’s gone is when he’ll really get the credit that he absolutely deserves. He is a bad m*therf*cker,” White said. Dominating the UFC for more than a decade, Jones has indeed proven that he is one of the greatest combat athletes ever.
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But for now, Jones still has one more fight to go before he can call it a day, as he faces Miocic. The fans are expecting an all-out brawl from one of the greatest ever MMA fighters in history, if not the greatest ever. What do you think lies ahead for Jon Jones? Does he retire? Does he fight on? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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