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Jon Jones Retires From The UFC

A legendary MMA fighter, Jones is regarded as one of the best athletes the sport has ever seen.

Jon Jones, who is considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, has officially announced his retirement.

Taking to  X(formerly Twitter), Jones confirmed that he’s leaving the sport that he has dominated.

“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years,” Jones' post read.

“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever,” the post continued. “I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.”

“Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”

Dana White, UFC chief executive, announced at a press conference on Saturday (June 21).

“Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones has officially retired,” White told reporters. He also answered questions about the UFC heavyweight division.

“Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” White continued.

Throughout his career, Jones posted a 28-1-0 record and holds the distinction of being the youngest champion in UFC history at the age of 23 after his defeat of Maurício Rua, winning the light heavyweight division in 2009.

After years of dominance in the light heavyweight division, he defeated France’s Cyril Ganewon for the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, following a three-year hiatus from competition.

Jones' legacy in the sport is not without controversy. He served two suspensions from the United States Anti-Doping Agency following positive tests for banned substances and faced DUI, DWI, and domestic violence charges. In his most recent incident, Jones allegedly left the scene of a traffic accident in February 2025

During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Jones first hinted that he was contemplating retiring.

"I don't want to say that I'm retired because fighting's in my blood," Jones said. "Right now, I could care less about fighting.”

“I've been doing it my whole life at a very high level, and when the itch comes back—and if it comes back—then I'll do it with my whole heart, do it to the best of my abilities,” he added.

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