It’s common for fighters to reconsider retirement when they start feeling the urge to compete again.
Jon Jones recently had second thoughts about retiring after the announcement of the UFC White House event, though he admitted that stepping away was a real possibility. Despite facing criticism near the end of his career, “Bones” has proven everything he needed inside the Octagon. Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier believes that Justin Gaethje still has unfinished business, especially since they have each beaten the other. Another notable martial arts legend with an incomplete trilogy remains determined to close that chapter for good.
Latest update: Jon Jones acknowledged that to beat another GOAT contender, he’ll need to “go all out,” despite a significant size disadvantage.
Demetrius Johnson isn’t thrilled about competing against Henry Cejudo in Real American Freestyle
Jon Jones and Demetrius Johnson recently settled some GOAT debates during a charity event featuring two of MMA’s best ever. Johnson, who debuted in 2011, holds the UFC record for the most consecutive title defenses. The flyweight superstar retired in 2024 after a perfect 6-0 run in ONE Championship, experiencing his first stoppage loss and completing his original trilogy. Johnson left the UFC following a loss to Henry Cejudo, which tied their head-to-head rivalry 1-1.
Last week, both participated in a celebrity flag football game alongside Jones, where Johnson was clearly hesitant about grappling Cejudo in a Real American freestyle match. On his YouTube channel, Johnson said, “Please don’t try to put me in this situation. I don’t wrestle, dude. I’m retired and busy doing all these other things… I don’t want that. That’s all you have.”
Latest update: Justin Gaethje downplayed Paddy Pimblett when asked what surprised him most about their fight.
Henry Cejudo is set to face another legend coming out of retirement
Henry Cejudo shocked fans by vacating the bantamweight title and retiring in 2020, only to return to the UFC three years later. Similarly, Urijah Faber took a break from fighting but made a short comeback in 2019 for two additional bouts. The two icons are scheduled to face off at the upcoming Real American Freestyle event on February 28th at Mallett Arena in Tempe, Arizona.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for fight fans because it keeps legendary rivalries alive and showcases the enduring passion of fighters who refuse to fade quietly. These events have the potential to bring veteran talent back into the spotlight while enriching MMA’s storied history.
