UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones is set to face Stipe Miocic later this year and it seems that this will be his last fight in the octagon. Jones has recently hinted at his retirement. “Bones” captured the heavyweight title at UFC 285 after defeating Ciryl Gane via first round submission. Jones competed in this match after a three-year hiatus. Later, a shoulder injury spoiled his plans to face Miocic and he had to pull out.
Jones hinted retirement on Instagram
There have been rumors for months regarding Jones’ retirement plans, and now Jones himself has hinted that he is retiring after the Stipe Miocic clash. In an Instagram post, while replying to a user’s comment, Jones wrote, “Fun fact after this year Jon Jones will never have to work again, retired at age 37. Winning.” The post is not identified yet, but the comment seems to be authentic as it has been done by Jones’ verified Instagram account.
Jones is set to face Miocic later this year at Madison Square Garden in a highly anticipated event. The match seems to be the last of Jon’s illustrious MMA career, which has seen him dominate several divisions and become champion.
This announcement has come amid the growing anticipation for a potential title unification clash between Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall. The 31-year-old captured the interim heavyweight title last year in November by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich after Jones was forced to pull out from his scheduled bout with Miocic due to injury.
MMA fans wants to see a clash between Aspinall and Jones
Fans have been eagerly wanting a matchup between Jones and Aspinall, with many questioning why “Bones” is taking on the 41-year-old Mioci, who is on the verge of retiring himself. Recently, when Aspinall defended his title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, he called out Jones instantly and said, “Hello Jon, I have nothing against you personally, but I just think I’m better than you. I know I can beat you in a fight, so I’m coming for it.”
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Despite the growing anticipation of a clash between Jones and Aspinall, the UFC Heavyweight champion has indicated that the bout against Stipe Miocic will be his last. On the other hand, UFC President Dana White is hopeful for a title unification bout next year. While talking about the uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future, White said, “If both retire? That’ll suck.” He was referring to the possibility of both Jones and Miocic hanging up their gloves after the fight.
