End of an Era: Jones Hangs Up Gloves After 28-Year Career

Jon Jones, widely regarded as the greatest fighter in UFC history, has officially retired from mixed martial arts, citing a lack of passion for the sport. The 38-year-old’s decision was confirmed by UFC President Dana White on Saturday, who announced that interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will take Jones’ place as undisputed heavyweight champion.

Jones, who compiled a 28-1 record in his illustrious career, had been in line for a highly anticipated unification bout with Aspinall, but it seems that fight will now never come to fruition. The Englishman, 32, has been promoted to undisputed champion and has vowed to make the most of the opportunity, saying “It’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion.”

Jones’ retirement comes just weeks after he appeared on the Full Send podcast, where he seemed to suggest that he was still interested in competing. “I don’t want to say that I’m retired because fighting’s in my blood,” he said. “Right now, I could really care less about fighting. I’ve been doing it my whole life at a very high level and when the itch comes back – and if it comes back – then I’ll do it with my whole heart, do it to the best of my abilities.”

Despite his checkered history outside of the octagon, Jones leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. With 16-0 record in title bouts, he was the youngest UFC title holder at age 23 and has won six consecutive bouts since a no contest with Daniel Cormier in 2017. His impressive résumé includes victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Mauricio Rua, Stipe Miocic, and Daniel Cormier.

Jones’ career has not been without controversy, however. He has dealt with legal issues and a year-long suspension in 2016 for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs – a result he disputes. Despite these setbacks, he has remained one of the most dominant forces in the UFC, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

In addition to his accomplishments in the UFC, Jones is also a former boxing champion. In 2019, he won the World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight title by defeating the reigning champion, Nikita Airapetian, in a unanimous decision. Jones’ boxing career was marked by a series of impressive victories, including a knockout win over the highly touted boxer, Maxim Vlasov, in 2020.

Jones’ transition to boxing was seen as a way for him to test his skills in a different discipline and to explore new opportunities outside of the UFC. Although his boxing career was ultimately cut short due to his commitment to the UFC, Jones’ success in the ring is a testament to his incredible athleticism and adaptability.

As Jones hangs up his gloves for good, the UFC heavyweight division will undoubtedly be shaken up. With Aspinall now at the top of the mountain, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next challenger to dethrone the new champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Jon Jones will always be remembered as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.

Boxing Record:

5-0 (4 KO)

Won WBC light heavyweight title in 2019

Defeated Nikita Airapetian in a unanimous decision

Knocked out Maxim Vlasov in 2020

UFC Record:

28-1 (11 KO)

16-0 in title bouts

Youngest UFC title holder at age 23

Won six consecutive bouts since a no contest with Daniel Cormier in 2017