UFC president Dana White dismissed claims that Jon Jones retired several months ago, intensifying the ongoing Jon Jones retirement dispute. The conflict surfaced following UFC 317, when Jones shared on social media that he had informed the UFC of his intention to retire shortly after defeating Stipe Miocic, but was urged repeatedly by the promotion to reconsider his decision.
Jones openly discussed conversations with the UFC about arranging a fight against Tom Aspinall, but insisted no formal agreement was ever reached, contradicting White’s assertion that the bout was finalized before Jones abruptly chose to step away from the sport.
Jon Jones Shares His Side of the Story
On Twitter, Jones stated,
I was told 1,000 times to just reconsider and just give it more time. That’s the truth,
and added,
If the fight was done, trust me, I would be fighting. Did we start negotiating at one point yes, but [it] was never done. My job at the time was to sit back and be quiet about it and that’s exactly what I did. I was enjoying my life that should’ve been obvious to you guys.
These remarks showed his frustration about how the negotiations and his retirement were perceived publicly.
Dana White Firmly Refutes Jones’ Retirement Claims
During the UFC 317 post-fight press conference, White responded calmly but firmly to Jones’ tweets. He denied the former champion’s version of events, declaring, That’s not true, in reference to Jones’ claim that he effectively retired last November. White emphasized,
I’m telling you the truth. Believe who you want to believe.
The distinction between their accounts is not unfamiliar, but White’s recent comments may signal the final public dispute of this nature between them.
The Fallout on the Heavyweight Division and Future Matchups
Despite the conflicting narratives, the ultimate outcome remains unchanged: Jon Jones formally relinquished the heavyweight title and retired, paving the way for Tom Aspinall to claim the undisputed championship. White confirmed that the fight with Aspinall was prepared and close to completion before Jones opted out.
When asked about potential future fights, such as an Aspinall versus Ciryl Gane matchup, White refrained from making any predictions or confirmations. Aspinall himself has expressed strong interest in facing Gane, but with Jones no longer in the picture, the division is entering a new phase as it adapts to the absence of its former leader.
What Lies Ahead for the UFC Heavyweight Scene
This dispute highlights ongoing uncertainties in the UFC’s heavyweight landscape following Jones’ unpredictable retirement statements. While White and Jones disagree over the negotiation timeline and Jones’ status in recent months, the focus now shifts to how the promotion will handle the heavyweight division’s next chapter. Aspinall’s rise and a likely contest against Gane could define the division’s future as it seeks to stabilize following this turbulent series of events.