Jon Jones, an all-time great in mixed martial arts, has officially retired from professional fighting in the UFC. With this decision, his illustrious and fiery career is officially over. That came just days after Jones’ thrilling win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. That’s what this Day of Action on November 17, 2024, in New York will be about. Jones has a staggering record of 28 wins and one loss, with it being 11 knockouts. Whatever the outcome, he will go down as one of the greatest athletes ever to compete in the sport.
Jones, the only two-time UFC champion, won championships in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. His stunning accomplishment of being 16-0 in UFC title fights only highlights just how unbeatable he’s been inside the octagon. Jones made headlines when he became the youngest title holder in UFC’s history at the age of 23. He did that very thing by beating Mauricio Rua to win the 205-pound title.
Tonon, 32, announced his retirement during a call with UFC officials. UFC chief Dana White was the first to announce the news on…Jones had expressed mixed feelings about stepping away from the sport, stating, “I don’t want to say that I’m retired because fighting’s in my blood,” during an appearance on the “Full Send” podcast.
A Career Marked by Triumphs and Challenges
Jon Jones has faced a slew of scandals off the mat throughout his career. Of course, he was a paragon of scandal, serving a lengthy suspension in 2016 after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He has always vigorously denied the conditions under which he was suspended. Though he overcame incredible odds, Jones’s return to the sport was an inspiring one. Since the no contest ruling against Daniel Cormier on July 29, 2017, he’s racked up six straight wins.
Jones’ last fight against Stipe Miocic was another defining chapter in his career. It spelled the end for Miocic, who declared his retirement immediately following the fight. Jones withstood the challenge, installing the final chapter of his legacy through an impressive, dominant win that proved his experience and grit.
“Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion,” – Dana White
The Future of the Heavyweight Division
Jon Jones’ retirement from the sport creates an opening for Britain’s Tom Aspinall to win the heavyweight crown. Aspinall has been vocal about revitalizing the heavyweight division, stating, “For you fans. It’s time to get this heavyweight division going.” As heavyweights, the three fighters mentioned above are likely far from the only contenders. They are starving now for the opportunity to take away the title that lived once on one of the fiercest competitors in history.
With the retirement of Jones, the heavyweight landscape definitely changes. Without question, this alteration will start to affect the matchup landscape that we enjoy today, or is it unwittingly participate in? Aspinall was primed for an exhilarating unification bout with Jones until the champion announced his retirement. Today, he’s about to usher in a new age of the heavyweight game.
A Lasting Impact on Mixed Martial Arts
Jon Jones’ legacy on the sport of mixed martial arts goes well beyond his staggering numbers and multiple championship reigns. His rare mix of skill and determination left an indelible mark on fighters and fans to follow. Now, as he celebrates his 38th birthday on July 19, Jones’ legacy is certainly one mixed with both triumph and controversy.
Yet the sport of mixed martial arts will be poorer for the lack of such a deep, titanic challenger to their supremacy. His story of triumph and tragedy is a testament to the challenges sport stars endure throughout their careers. Fight fans and fighters both will be reminiscing about the service he gave the sport for decades to come.
