Fans could be about to see the final fight of Jon Jones’ legendary career this year when he finally defends his heavyweight title.
The iconic two-weight world champion has never legitimately lost a fight, and faces arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time in Stipe Miocic at the end of this year. And despite having a number of super-fights available after the fact, he is considering hanging up the gloves.
At the age of 36 and coming back from a series of serious injuries, Jones may be heading into the final days of his career. He is already renowned as one of the greats of all time, and now may be set for one last outing against a legend of the sport.
Jon Jones refuses to rule out retirement after Stipe Miocic fight
With an undeniable career behind him and an increasing number of miles on the clock, there is always a chance that Jon Jones could hang up his gloves. And in a recent Q&A with fans on social media, he noted the he still hasn’t decided what he will do going forward.
His primary concern is getting through Miocic later in the year, and will decide his future based on how he feels during the bout. He also noted that he has a number of exciting options available, and didn’t explicitly state that he was retiring.
When a fan asked explicitly if he would be retiring after Miocic, Jones replied: “Honestly, it’s hard to say right now, I’m going to base a lot of that on my next performance. The options are looking crazy right now.”
Jon Jones defends Stipe Miocic fight amid ‘retired’ jibes
Ahead of their big fight, which is expected to headline UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden this November, many fans have argued that Miocic is a spent force. They feel that he is all but retired after over three years out of the cage, although Jones disagrees.
“Sounded enthusiastic and motivated. The disregard you guys have for Stipe and everything he’s accomplished is beyond me. You fans are hysterical. To call the current best heavyweight in our sports history a retired firefighter is crazy. I would hate to be him reading all this s***.”
Jon Jones believes Alex Pereira fight could be biggest in the UFC
One fight that could keep Jones around is a showdown with the light-heavyweight and former middleweight champion Alex Pereira. Should he get through Miocic and feel confident in another outing, it appears that the Brazilian would take precedence over interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
“If Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT?” He asked fans back in May. “Being back in the gym has got me thinking differently. That fight after Stipe maybe the next biggest move I could possibly make.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“This killer has already defeated so many champions, and is already considered a legend to millions around the world. The most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I’ve defeated.
“It would be absolutely massive. A guy with a chance to be three division champion and a goat versus the actual goat. Same age, different strengths.
“No one can argue that that would be the biggest fight in MMA history. There’s absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane.”
