Jon Jones has finally offered some clarity regarding his plans for the future in combat sports.
The fighter, once considered the best pound-for-pound in the sport, has expressed indecision about retirement since successfully defending his heavyweight title last November.
His hesitation has left the British interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, in a state of uncertainty regarding his own path.
Jones appears to be enjoying the strong reactions from fans who are frustrated by his lack of clear information about his fighting status.
Despite the UFC leadership reportedly being willing to meet his demand for significant compensation for a unification bout against interim titleholder Tom Aspinall, Jones has hinted he might relinquish his heavyweight belt.
UFC President Dana White has faced widespread calls from the community to strip Jones of the title in an effort to bring activity back to the division.
However, Jones, a UFC Hall of Famer, suggested he would vacate the championship himself before the organization officially removes him from the position.
In a series of spontaneous posts on social media platform X, Jones wrote: “I spoke to the UFC a long time ago about what my future plans were. I haven’t really trained since my last fight in New York City.”
He continued, “Honestly, I believe it’s been in the UFC’s best interest to keep presenting me as the company’s champion—not Tom. I’ve just been playing the role of the company man by doing nothing at all… and holding the position.”
Jones added, “And truthfully, it’s been incredibly lucrative. I’ve made more money off of Tom being the interim champ than Tom has himself.”
Addressing the slowdown in the division, he stated, “It sucks to see the rest of the division get slowed down like this, but that has nothing to do with me. I don’t pull the strings.”
He concluded his point on the belt, saying, “And remember, you can’t strip a guy like me at this point. I give the belt up freely. Veni, vidi, vici.”
Many in the MMA community have accused Jones of avoiding Aspinall, with some suggesting this could negatively impact his legacy if the fight doesn`t happen.
Yet, the former dominant light-heavyweight champion seems unfazed by the opinions of those who criticize his current standing or past actions.
He offered his perspective: “That’s the problem with some young men, you think your last outcome is your legacy. That’s why when many of you fall short, you can’t find the strength to return.”
He added, “But here’s the truth: your legacy isn’t your last move. Legacy is what no one can take from you. It’s built over time, not defined by a single win or loss.”
Offering encouragement, Jones wrote, “If you’re reading this, your legacy is far from over. We wake up each day with a chance to build, to add, to rise. Make yours beautiful.”
Interim champion Tom Aspinall, who is popular with fans, has been waiting for his next opponent since his swift victory over Curtis Blaydes last July.
The fighter from Wigan has voiced frustration over his period of inactivity, although sources indicate that an announcement regarding his next fight date is expected soon.
Elton Marrow