Jon Jones officially declared his retirement from MMA on June 21, following mounting criticism over his reluctance to face interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. The announcement came during the UFC Baku event, where Jones was the reigning heavyweight champion but faced accusations of avoiding a potential unification bout, leading to significant fan backlash.
Michael Bisping Mocks Jones Over Avoiding Tom Aspinall Fight
During UFC Baku’s preliminary card, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, working as a commentator, made a joke at Jones’ expense amid growing narratives that the fighter was dodging Tom Aspinall. This happened while Hamdy Abdelwahab and Mohammed Usman were competing, with Usman supported by Rashad Evans—Jones’ former opponent—who appeared to signal for “Jon Jones” mid-fight.
Commentator Brendan Fitzgerald noted the gesture, saying,
“Rashad Evans using a code word, ‘Jon Jones’. Let’s see what that move is for Usman.”
In response, Bisping succinctly replied,
“Duck.”
The comment played on longstanding accusations that Jones was not willing to confront Aspinall, a rising British heavyweight fighter.
Fan Reactions to the UFC Commentary and Jones’ Situation
Jones’ known history of lengthy explanations on social media prompted fans to anticipate a detailed response after Bisping’s remark. One fan wrote,
“Incoming essay from Jon”
Others sided with Bisping’s take, with one stating,
“I think he was right LOL”
Jones’ reputation for controversial tactics such as eye pokes sparked speculation on the intention behind Evans’ callout. Fans humorously debated whether the code word referred to an illegal move:
“Hahaha I see Rashad hasn’t lost that sense of humor”
“I would have said ‘eye poke?’ but duck is better, and more relevant.”
Jones Confirms Retirement After Reflecting on Career and Challenges
Later that same day, Jon Jones took to X to announce his retirement formally. Reflecting on his extensive career, the New York native expressed gratitude and hinted at readiness for new phases in his life. He wrote,
“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years… As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am…”
Jones retires as one of the sport’s most dominant figures, holding numerous records including being the youngest UFC champion at 23 years old. His departure marks the end of an era during a time of heated debate around the heavyweight title’s future and his role in it.
Impact of Jones’ Retirement on UFC Heavyweight Division
The news of Jon Jones retirement and UFC heavyweight controversy signals a significant shift in the division’s landscape. With Jones stepping away amid fan frustration and a contentious heavyweight title picture, the UFC will face pressure to solidify the championship lineage. Meanwhile, contenders like Tom Aspinall and other top heavyweights are likely to see new opportunities to claim the belt and reshape the division dynamics.