Jon Jones Says He Will Most Likely Never Fight Again
Jon Jones said he will most likely never fight again but is leaving the door open for the future.
Jon Jones is probably done fighting. But do not count him out just yet.
The former two-division UFC champion posted on X on Saturday that he will "more than likely" never compete again, adding, "Leaving doors open, you never know what the future holds." The statement is the clearest signal yet that the 39-year-old is at peace with walking away from the sport, per LowKick MMA.
Jones vacated the UFC heavyweight title last year and retired rather than face then-interim champion Tom Aspinall. He has dealt with severe hip arthritis that limited his ability to train, though he has since undergone stem cell treatment and says the hip feels much better.
Despite the retirement, Jones is still in the USADA testing pool and has been tested several times in 2026. That detail alone keeps the door cracked open for a return, even if Jones himself sounds like a man who has made peace with walking away.
Jones also revealed that missing the UFC s historic White House card in June remains one of his biggest regrets. He had re-entered the testing pool and expressed interest in fighting Alex Pereira on that card, but the UFC did not select him. Jones alleged the promotion lowballed him and asked to be released if the UFC saw no further value in keeping him. As of now, the UFC has not granted that request.
At 39 and dealing with a body that has taken decades of punishment, the math does not favor a comeback. But this is Jon Jones. Writing him off completely has never been a smart bet.
I have heard Jon Jones say he is done before. I have heard a lot of fighters say they are done before. The difference with Jones is that even at 39, even with a bad hip, you cannot completely dismiss the possibility of a comeback.
The White House card thing is interesting to me. Jones wanted that fight with Pereira, the UFC did not give it to him, and now he says it is one of his biggest regrets. That tells me there is still a competitor inside that wants one more moment. The question is whether the body can cash the checks the ego wants to write.
Here is what I think is really going on. Jones is still getting tested, which means somebody believes there is a chance. If the UFC came to him tomorrow with the right number and the right opponent, I would not be shocked to see him back. But "more than likely" done is about as honest as a 39-year-old with hip problems can be. I wish him well either way. Greatest to ever do it.
