Jon Jones recently gave up his UFC heavyweight championship, yet discussions about his legacy and his personal reflections continue to ignite debate. His feelings surfaced once more after a promotional advertisement displayed the words “UFC Heavyweight World Champion” alongside his nickname “Bones,” drawing swift reactions from fans and Jones himself. Using the moment, Jones shared candid thoughts on his ongoing connection to the sport and the championship.
Jones, known for his dominance inside the Octagon and a celebrated career crossing two weight divisions, took to social media to express a deep personal regret. He admitted that though his title reigns are historic, he wakes up every day feeling like the champion of the world, a feeling he believes no one can take from him.
Man, we should’ve stamped Forever Champion on it. After everything I’ve done in the UFC so far, I still wake up every morning feeling like the champ of the world. That’s a feeling no one can ever take away from me.
—Jon Jones, UFC Fighter
This admission revealed a rare vulnerability, as Jones openly acknowledged a sense of unfinished business in his career. Addressing an aspiring champion, he advised,
Please be a much better champion than I ever was. But I love the way you’re talking; winning starts in the mind.
—Jon Jones, UFC Fighter
Despite his decorated resume, including a Hall of Fame status and a reputation as one of the greatest fighters ever, Jones retired in June 2025 without ever facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. This left the division unresolved and reinforced criticisms that he avoided key matchups, contributing to controversy over his legacy.
Criticism Mounts as Former Rival Calls Out Jones’ Avoidance of Tough Fights
Not everyone accepts Jones’ claim to be the “Forever Champion.” Dominick Reyes, a former rival, voiced strong criticism of Jones’ approach to defending his title, suggesting a pattern of avoiding threatening opponents. Reyes, known as “The Devastator,” argued that Jones strategically dodged difficult fights while maintaining control of the division’s perception.
He just strings everyone along and lies and tells this and says that,
—Dominick Reyes, UFC Fighter
Reyes highlighted that he repeatedly requested a rematch following their closely contested title fight at UFC 247, which many, including UFC president Dana White, believed Reyes won. However, the fight never materialized. According to Reyes, Jones declined to face him because of the high risk involved.
He ran from me because he said, ‘You’re not paying me enough to fight that guy. He’s too dangerous,’
—Dominick Reyes, UFC Fighter
This narrative of avoidance extends to Jones’ decision not to fight Tom Aspinall, reinforcing the criticism that his championship reign lacked closure and consistency in facing top contenders.
Jones’ Retirement Sparks Doubt and Questions About His Future in UFC
Jones’ sudden retirement left UFC fans and officials unsettled, particularly UFC president Dana White, who expressed skepticism about Jones’ potential return. White pointed to Jones’ past disciplinary problems as major risks that the promotion may be unwilling to accept moving forward. Despite this, Jones appears committed to a comeback, having re-entered the drug-testing program in preparation for an anticipated UFC event at the White House in 2026.
While the UFC’s leadership remains uncertain about welcoming Jones back, the fighter himself insists that no matter the organization’s stance, he will always see himself as the reigning champion. This steadfast mindset contrasts sharply with the doubts from his former opponents and some fans, who question whether Jones’ legacy is genuinely one of greatness or defined more by missed opportunities and avoidance of dangerous fights.
Legacy Debate: Forever Champion or Fighter Who Sidestepped Challenges?
Jones’ story is marked by extraordinary achievements but also by controversy and career interruptions. His refusal or failure to face some challenging opponents, particularly interim champion Tom Aspinall and rematch requests from Reyes, have stirred frustration and disappointment among the UFC community. This ongoing debate raises the question: is Jon Jones truly a “Forever Champion,” or does his legacy suffer from the inability to settle key challenges inside the Octagon?
As Jones hints at a potential return at the White House event, fans and critics alike are poised to watch closely. They want to see if he can resolve unfinished business or if his pattern of strategic exits will continue to overshadow his accomplishments. The significance of this moment transcends individual fights; it influences how one of the sport’s greatest athletes will ultimately be remembered within UFC history.