Jon Jones has finally offered clarity regarding his future in mixed martial arts.
The former pound-for-pound king has been uncertain about retirement since his first defense of the heavyweight title last November.
This comes even though UFC officials reportedly agreed to pay him a substantial amount for a major unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall.
UFC President Dana White has faced numerous demands to strip Jones of his heavyweight title and inject new energy into the stagnant division.
However, the Hall of Famer Jones has suggested he might relinquish the belt before White and the UFC decide to strip him of it.
In a series of spontaneous posts on X, Jones stated: “I talked to the UFC a while back about my future plans.
“I haven’t really trained since my last fight in New York City.
“Honestly, I believe it`s been in the UFC`s best interest to keep presenting me as the company`s champion—not Tom.
“I’ve just been playing the role of the company man by doing nothing at all… and holding the position.
“And truthfully, it’s been incredibly lucrative. I’ve made more money off of Tom being the interim champ than Tom has himself.
“It sucks to see the rest of the division get slowed down like this, but that has nothing to do with me. I don’t pull the strings.
“And remember, you can’t strip a guy like me at this point. I give the belt up freely. Veni, vidi, vici.”
Many in the MMA community have accused Jones of “ducking” Aspinall, with some even saying he will damage his legacy if he doesn`t fight the Brit.
But the former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion seems unconcerned with what his detractors think about his impact on the sport.
He said: “That’s the problem with some young men, you think your last outcome is your legacy.
“That’s why when many of you fall short, you can’t find the strength to return.
“But here’s the truth: your legacy isn’t your last move. Legacy is what no one can take from you.
“It’s built over time, not defined by a single win or loss.
“If you’re reading this, your legacy is far from over.
“We wake up each day with a chance to build, to add, to rise. Make yours beautiful.”
Fan favorite Aspinall has been inactive on the sidelines since his 60-second demolition of Curtis Blaydes last July.
The Wigan fighter has been frustrated by his inactivity, although it is understood an announcement for his next fight will be made imminently.
