MMA enthusiasts widely interpret a recent social media action by the UFC as confirmation of Jon Jones` departure from the sport.
The former top-ranked fighter and current heavyweight champion has kept followers uncertain about his career path recently, with contradictory public remarks.
Jones, 37, has left interim champion Tom Aspinall waiting uncertainly due to his fluctuating position on retirement.
British fighter Aspinall stated this week that the MMA icon is “RETIRED” during an interview on Good Guy/Bad Guy with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen.
Adding to the speculation, the UFC unusually posted the ESPN interview, featuring a thumbnail with Aspinall`s picture and the text “he`s retired,” on their official YouTube channel, which boasts 21 million subscribers.
This sharing, while perhaps understandable given ESPN holds the promotion`s North American broadcast rights, sparked widespread discussion among fight fans.
Many fans interpreted this post as the promotion implicitly confirming that Jones` career has ended.
Comments on the video included: “The fact that the UFC is posting this is encouraging.”
Another user remarked: “You know Jones is ducking when the UFC allows this on their socials.”
A third comment noted: “The fact that the UFC uploaded this interview to their channel with this title says A LOT.”
Another observation was: “There is definite movement of this situation coming.”
One person questioned: “Is this Jon`s retirement announcement?”
Another added: “To put this interview on the official channel is huge, UFC is getting tired of Jones.”
However, the UFC sharing the interview doesn`t necessarily mean they are admitting Jones has decided to retire.
It could simply be a strategy to pressure the Hall-of-Famer into accepting the fight, for which he reportedly demanded “F**K YOU MONEY”.
A significant unification bout between Jones and Aspinall has been anticipated since November.
Jones` first heavyweight title defense, planned against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, was expected to lead to a major clash with Aspinall.
Frustratingly, this fight hasn`t happened, leaving Aspinall, who last competed in July, in a state of inactivity.
Elton Marrow