Speculation among MMA fans is rife that the UFC has subtly announced Jon Jones` retirement from the sport.
The former top-ranked fighter and reigning heavyweight champion has kept fans guessing recently with inconsistent remarks about whether he plans to continue fighting.
Jones, aged 37, has left interim champion Tom Aspinall uncertain about his next move due to his repeated changes of heart regarding retirement.
This week, British fighter Aspinall declared the legendary MMA figure is “RETIRED” while appearing on the `Good Guy/Bad Guy` show hosted by Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen.
Adding to the speculation, the UFC took the unusual step of uploading the ESPN interview to its official YouTube channel, which boasts 21 million subscribers. The video thumbnail prominently featured Aspinall alongside the text “he`s retired.”
While ESPN owns North American broadcast rights for the promotion, the UFC sharing this specific video sparked considerable discussion among fight enthusiasts.
Many fans saw this action as the promotion implicitly confirming that Jones is no longer actively competing.
Commentary on the video included: “The fact that the UFC is posting this is encouraging.”
Another user suggested, “You know Jones is ducking when the UFC allows this on their socials.”
A third observer noted the significance, stating, “The fact that the UFC uploaded this interview to their channel with this title says A LOT.”
“There is definite movement of this situation coming,” another comment read.
Some directly questioned, “Is this Jon`s retirement announcement?”
One user concluded, “To put this interview on the official channel is huge, UFC is getting tired of Jones.”
However, it`s important to note that the UFC sharing the interview doesn`t definitively prove Jones has retired.
The move could also be a strategy to pressure the Hall-of-Famer into accepting a fight he previously indicated would require substantial financial incentive.
A highly anticipated fight to unify the heavyweight titles between Jones and Aspinall has been discussed since last November.
Jones` planned initial defense of his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic was anticipated as setting the stage for a major showdown with Aspinall.
However, the fight has not materialized, leaving Aspinall, who hasn`t competed since July, waiting on the sidelines.
