Following Jon Jones‘ recent announcement to retire from the UFC, several former champions expressed supportive views, comparing his departure to those of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre. These remarks highlight Jones’ choice to end his career while preserving his notable legacy within the sport.
At the UFC Baku post-fight press conference last weekend, UFC president Dana White confirmed Jones’ retirement and declared Tom Aspinall as the new undisputed heavyweight champion. The news sparked mixed reactions within the MMA community, as fans and fighters reacted to the end of Jones’ reign and the missed opportunity for a title unification bout. Among the positive voices were former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo.
Kamaru Usman Reflects on Jones’ Career and Legacy
On a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Kamaru Usman shared his perspective on Jon Jones’ retirement and how it parallels the exits of MMA legends like Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Usman emphasized the difficulty and significance of departing while still at the top of one’s career and brand.
“This is the very very difficult things that I don’t think a lot of people understand is Georges St-Pierre left where people went, ‘Oh, he still has some left’ and he left and he kept himself and he kept that brand intact. Khabib Nurmagomedov left as the champion. Everything that you do is you were still the champion. Do I want to risk it one more time potentially lose and not be saw as invincible anymore? Or do I just bow out still be able to get those brand deals and all of those things because I am invincible. I mean honestly, I’m not mad at Jon Jones.” —Kamaru Usman, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Usman’s remarks underline the strategic nature behind Jones’ retirement, which reflects a desire to maintain an undefeated aura and safeguard one’s reputation and future opportunities beyond active competition.
Henry Cejudo Expresses Respect for Jones and Defends His Choice
Henry Cejudo echoed Usman’s sentiments, praising Jon Jones for his successful title defenses and for retiring while still holding the light heavyweight championship. Cejudo highlighted the legitimacy of Jones’ career achievements and acknowledged his right to walk away.
“Neither am I dude. If anything kudos to [Jones] dude, I’m actually proud of him. You know Khabib could have kept going. Georges St-Pierre had the ability to defend his belt. Jon Jones he defended his belt He’s defended his light heavyweight title with a crazy amount of numbers like bro. Just let it be” —Henry Cejudo, Former UFC Champion
Cejudo’s comments position Jones alongside other legends who chose to leave the sport on their own terms, reinforcing the respect Jones commands for his record and decisions.
Potential Catalyst: Henry Cejudo Thinks Tom Aspinall Could Bring Jones Back
Looking ahead, many expect Ciryl Gane as the next contender to challenge Tom Aspinall, the current undisputed heavyweight champion. Henry Cejudo weighed in on the possibility of this matchup influencing Jon Jones’ future plans.
Cejudo suggested that if Aspinall puts on a strong performance against Gane, it could motivate Jones to return to competition and seek to reclaim the heavyweight title, reigniting the division’s excitement.
“You give [Tom Aspinall] the No.1 contender, Ciryl Gane. Ciryl Gane is somebody that’s a big heavyweight, that’s very agile. I don’t think Tom Aspinall gets rid of him right away like he has with other people, and I think that’ll be a big indication on if Jon Jones wants to come back and reclaim that belt once again. Just to get a feel of what Tom is all about now that they have a mutual competitor.” —Henry Cejudo, Former UFC Champion
This outlook suggests that the heavyweight division’s upcoming battles could play a pivotal role in whether Jones eventually reverses his retirement decision.
The Wider Impact of Jones’ Retirement on UFC and Heavyweight Division
Jon Jones stepping away from the UFC solidifies a new chapter in the promotion, with Tom Aspinall now positioned as a dominant force in the heavyweight class. The decision removes a legendary figure from active competition, reshaping the competitive landscape and opening opportunities for contenders like Ciryl Gane to challenge for supremacy.
Jones’ departure also continues the legacy of champions who exit while still on top, a move that affects the sport’s history and establishes a standard for managing one’s career in MMA. The possibility of Jones returning remains dependent on future matchups and the performances in the heavyweight division, keeping fans and analysts attentive to unfolding developments.