After the UFC’s debut event in Azerbaijan, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones retired, sharing that Jones personally informed him the night before and gave up the heavyweight title. Despite this announcement, Israel Adesanya, the current middleweight champion, believes the former pound-for-pound leader is unlikely to stay away for long.
Speaking on a special episode of The Ariel Helwani Show during International Fight Week, Adesanya discussed various topics, including Jones’ decision to step away. He described Jones’ retirement as a form of provocation or “rage baiting” aimed at the MMA community.
I think he’ll come back. I think he’ll come back. It’s the drama of it. … This is all just. What do they call it now, the kids call it? Rage baiting. It’s working. And again, I don’t agree with the fact holding up the division. I’m like, Tom defended the belt. That’s a defense on his book. Let the division keep moving and now it moves forward.
—Israel Adesanya, UFC Middleweight Champion
Adesanya Connects Jones’ Retirement to Recent Legal Issues and Foresees a Comeback
Shortly after Jones announced his retirement, reports emerged that he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident that occurred earlier in the year. Adesanya finds the timing of Jones vacating the heavyweight belt curious, and he believes Jones’ departure is largely influenced by these ongoing legal matters.
According to Adesanya, once Jones resolves his legal situation, he is almost certain to return to the Octagon. By then, Tom Aspinall, the new heavyweight champion, could have defended his belt multiple times, which would only increase anticipation for a potential matchup between Aspinall and Jones.
This whole thing comes out, because it happened in February or whatever, and you’re like… ‘That’s why he retired.’ But I think he’ll go through this and then again he’ll come back. … I think he’ll fight Tom. … It’s too much money. They offered him $20, $30 million, I heard. I think he’ll come back. It’ll even be bigger by the time he comes back.
—Israel Adesanya, UFC Middleweight Champion
Ciryl Gane’s Cryptic Message Sparks Speculation About Upcoming Title Fight
With Jon Jones stepping away, Tom Aspinall is positioned to carry the heavyweight division forward. Although the date of Aspinall’s next defense remains uncertain, indications suggest that a fight with Ciryl Gane may be on the horizon.
Gane, currently ranked No. 1 in the heavyweight division on UFC.com, hinted at developments on social media. On Wednesday, he posted a brief message stating:
Everything is now set in motion.
—Ciryl Gane, UFC Heavyweight Contender
Gane recently secured a controversial split decision victory over Alexander Volkov in December, marking two consecutive wins for the former title challenger. Despite UFC President Dana White expressing disagreement with the judges’ decision, Gane’s ranking and recent win set him up as the likely next opponent for Aspinall’s undisputed title.
The key question remaining is the timing of their clash, which will have significant implications for the heavyweight division’s direction.
Implications for the Heavyweight Division and What to Expect Next
Jon Jones’ retirement has created a pivotal moment in the UFC’s heavyweight category, with Tom Aspinall ascending as the new champion and Ciryl Gane poised as a leading contender. Israel Adesanya’s perspective suggests Jones’ hiatus is temporary, driven by external issues rather than a permanent exit.
If Jones does return, his comeback fight against an established champion like Aspinall could generate immense interest, especially if Aspinall racks up additional title defenses beforehand. Meanwhile, fight fans will closely monitor announcements related to the heavyweight division’s upcoming bouts, particularly regarding the timing of Aspinall versus Gane.
This period of transition and speculation underscores the dynamic nature of the UFC landscape, where legal troubles, personal decisions, and competitive pressures all influence the sport’s trajectory.