Jon Jones has stirred mixed reactions within the MMA community after officially announcing his retirement, yet hinting at a possible return to the Octagon. While fans eagerly anticipated a bout between Jones and UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall, Jones informed the UFC leadership that he is stepping away from professional competition. Despite this declaration, the former champion has teased a comeback, causing frustration among some prominent figures in the sport.
Din Thomas Voices Strong Disapproval of Jones’ Actions
Din Thomas, a well-known UFC coach and analyst, expressed sharp criticism toward Jon Jones for keeping fans uncertain about his future in the sport. Speaking on Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel, Thomas condemned Jones for what he sees as attention-seeking behavior and for leaving his next move ambiguous.
My initial thought when I heard that was this dude just loves attention, he’s just trying to keep his name out there and he loves attention. He’s dangling his status over our heads, and I hate it. I’m going to tell you right now: I don’t give a f*ck if Jon Jones ever fights again. I don’t care, man.
—Din Thomas
He’s the greatest to ever do it, for sure. He’s great. He’s super great. But I don’t care if he ever fights again. Just ride off into the sunset. You know who I care about? I care about Ilia Topuria, Dustin Poirier, the dudes that are out putting their lives on the line for us. I care about those dudes. Jon Jones, I don’t care if he fights again.
—Din Thomas
Tom Aspinall’s Status Amid Jones’ Uncertain Future
Following Jon Jones’ announcement, Tom Aspinall has been recognized as the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. As Jones’ competitive status remains unclear, Aspinall is eager to schedule his upcoming fight. While fans speculate about a potential matchup between Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, there has been no official confirmation regarding this bout.
Implications of Jones’ Retirement Teasing for UFC Landscape
Jon Jones’ fluctuating stance on retirement has added uncertainty to the UFC heavyweight division, impacting both fans and fighters. Din Thomas’ criticism highlights the frustration within the MMA community over Jones’ unclear intentions. Meanwhile, Aspinall’s rise and potential clashes with top contenders like Ciryl Gane could shape the division’s future, pending Jones’ final decision about returning to competition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. Why was Jon Jones permitted to compete following a positive drug test, and what are the future implications?
In Las Vegas, famous MMA fighter Jon Jones was found to have benzoylecgonine, a primary substance found in cocaine, in his system during a test in December.
Q. What was Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. During the hearing, it came to light that Jones’s positive test was due to clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are present in Tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug that Jones admitted to using.