Dominick Reyes has openly criticized Jon Jones for misleading fans about his retirement status, expressing frustration over Jones’s inconsistent signals regarding his future in MMA. Over the past year, the light heavyweight star has been vocal about his confusion surrounding Jones’s behavior, particularly after the heavyweight champion’s indecisiveness about returning to competition. Reyes’s critiques highlight a growing impatience within the UFC community toward Jones’s unresolved status.

For much of the previous year, the MMA world anticipated Jon Jones’s return alongside a heavyweight title unification bout against Tom Aspinall. Despite the buildup, Jones delayed confirming his intentions and eventually announced his retirement. This step elevated Aspinall to undisputed champion status, yet shortly after, Jones revealed plans to fight again, hinting at a potential appearance at the UFC’s proposed White House event next July. This flip-flop disappointed many fans and UFC officials alike, including UFC president Dana White, who voiced concerns about Jones’s reliability.

Reyes Details His Discontent with Jones’s Actions

On the Pound-4-Pound podcast, Dominick Reyes described Jones’s behavior as manipulative and insincere, accusing him of stringing fans and the UFC organization along without honest communication.

“I think because he does this thing that he does, and he just strings everyone along, and he lies, and tells this and says that,”

Reyes stated.

“And he’s smug about it and arrogant. He’s not being genuine. We just want a genuine answer out of you, bro. Not some bullcrap string everybody a long, ‘Oh, well, maybe this, uhhhh.’ Are you going to fight or not? I think that’s what everybody’s mad about, trying to play with all of us.”

Reyes went further, demanding clarity from Jones on his intentions and calling out the ambiguity that has frustrated fans and fighters alike.

“If you’re done, say you’re done. If you’re not done, say, ‘Let’s go, but I want more money, or I want this.’ That’s it. Don’t say, ‘We’ll see! There’s a big announcement coming out, and then it’s nothing. I think that’s why people were so mad.”

The Controversial History Between Reyes and Jones

Dominick Reyes’s criticism carries weight given his direct history with Jon Jones. The two met in a pivotal match for the light heavyweight title at UFC 247. Although Jones won via a highly contentious decision, public reaction favored Reyes as the rightful victor. Dana White himself called for an immediate rematch to settle the debate. However, rather than granting a second chance to Reyes, Jones vacated the light heavyweight belt and took a break from competition, setting a precedent for his eventual shift to heavyweight and his more recent retirement drama.

Reyes recalled his efforts lobbying for a rematch with Jones after their fight, underscoring the frustration that the opportunity never materialized.

“I did!”

Reyes exclaimed when asked if he wanted another chance.

“If you guys don’t remember after that fight, I lobbied for the rematch for an entire year and he said, ‘Drop the belt’ and went to heavyweight. Literally that’s what happened. People forget that, too. He ran from me! He said, ‘You’re not paying me enough to fight that guy. He’s too dangerous.’ That was literally his response.”

Future Prospects for Reyes and Jones’s Legacy

Jones’s next moves remain uncertain, but if he returns to the octagon, it will most likely be as a heavyweight contender, shutting the door on any rematch with Reyes at light heavyweight. Meanwhile, Reyes is steadily climbing the ranks, currently riding a three-fight winning streak and poised to challenge for the title he narrowly missed years ago. His upcoming fight against Carlos Ulberg in the UFC Perth main event marks another critical step in his pursuit of championship glory.

Reyes outlined his outlook on the path ahead, detailing the opponents he must overcome before securing another title shot.

“Fight Khalil, beat Khalil. Then I’ll probably have to fight again, I’d probably have to fight Jiri [Prochazka],”

he said.

“I would love to rematch Jiri. That would be awesome. And then fight for the title, whoever has it. I’d like it to be one, but I know they’re not going to make it that easy for me.”

Wider UFC and MMA Context

While Dominick Reyes criticizes Jon Jones’s handling of retirement, the UFC landscape continues to evolve. Other fighters face uncertain futures as the promotion makes roster changes, such as Martin Buday confirming his release from the UFC, which stunned many considering his winning record.

“Yeah its true, yesterday we got a call that @ufc is not resigning us for the moment… well it is what it is atleast im leaving with my head up. Thank you”

— Martin Buday

The decision sparked debate among fans and fighters, including comments from heavyweight Zac Pauga questioning the UFC’s strategic direction following cuts of notable fighters.

“I don’t even have a comment on this. What is the UFCs plan for heavyweight if we are cutting well known names like rozenstruick as well as winning unranked fighters like Buday”

— Zac Pauga

Elsewhere in the fight world, figures such as Luke Rockhold have expressed skeptical views on other combat sports like bare-knuckle boxing, while Sean Strickland’s intense cage presence continues to be a talking point among fans and analysts. Meanwhile, events like UFC Paris, UFC Perth, and UFC Rio have upcoming fights featuring notable matchups, sustaining the momentum in the MMA season.

Why Reyes’s Comments Matter for the UFC Community

Dominick Reyes’s vocal criticism of Jon Jones does more than highlight personal grievance; it reflects a broader frustration among UFC fans and insiders over clarity and professionalism from top athletes. Jones, once considered an unmatched talent, has seen his legacy complicated by erratic moves and ongoing uncertainty regarding his career’s trajectory.

Reyes’s demand for honesty resonates with many who feel that respect for the sport and its followers requires straightforward communication. As UFC contenders like Reyes build toward their title dreams, fans will continue watching closely to see if Jones solidifies his position as a heavyweight or fully steps away from competition.

Ultimately, the unfolding story of Jon Jones’s retirement saga, contrasted with Reyes’s rising challenge, shapes one of the most compelling narratives in modern mixed martial arts. The next few months—and the results of Reyes’s upcoming fights—may decisively influence the future of the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.