Jon Jones is contemplating retirement once again within a year.
Last June, the UFC legend emotionally announced his departure from MMA.
However, just weeks later, he reversed course and declared plans to compete again in 2026.
Now, at 38 years old, the former two-division UFC champion is thinking that he might be finished with MMA for good.
Latest Update: Jon Jones acknowledges he’ll need to “go all out” to defeat another top GOAT contender despite a notable size disadvantage.
Jon Jones’ Potential Future in MMA
Fans grew concerned about Jones’ future after seeing him struggle to run during a recent charity football game, a clip that quickly circulated online.
Speaking with Helen Yee that same day, Jones remained optimistic, saying, “I think I can make it.”
“I’m young enough and healthy enough to take on the best fighters in the world, but I’ve always fought the very best. That’s a high bar to set. So maybe it’s important to leave at a great time. I don’t want to end up like those fighters who win or lose and can’t even remember their name,” he explained.
Jones also shared a cautionary tale of meeting a fighter who couldn’t recall his own birthday, underscoring the toll fighting takes on the body and mind.
Jon Jones Faces Serious Injury
Recently, Jones disclosed that he suffers from severe arthritis in his left hip and is actually a candidate for hip replacement surgery.
In a private conversation that leaked online, he admitted how much pain he experienced, particularly during his last training camp.
“I have severe arthritis, but most people aren’t aware,” Jones said. “My left hip is covered in arthritis. I’m already qualified for a hip replacement. During last camp, the pain was so bad I just went to bed.”
He also mentioned his motivation to stay active for his three-year-old son, wanting to play with him using what remains of his healthy hip.
On Wednesday, Jones maintained that his arthritis won’t stop him from making a UFC comeback, but he also seems aware this might be his final run inside the Octagon.
Fan Take:
This news hits hard for fight fans because Jon Jones has been an iconic figure whose career has shaped modern MMA. His struggles with health and retirement decisions remind us how unforgiving the sport can be, and his potential exit could open the door for a new generation of fighters to rise.
