UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones isn`t in a rush to step back into the octagon.
The champion has been occupied outside the sport, recently filming a reality show in Thailand, while the mixed martial arts world speculates about a potential showdown with interim champion Tom Aspinall. While Jones previously made a vague comment suggesting the UFC knows his plans, the promotion itself has remained largely quiet, apart from Dana White repeatedly stating the Aspinall fight is guaranteed to happen.
On Wednesday, Jones directly responded to inquiries about whether he might be considering retirement, and his comments didn`t offer much reassurance regarding a prompt return to competition.
Addressing the speculation directly on Twitter, Jones offered his perspective:
“I don’t know if I wanna call it retired. I feel like I’ll always have an ability to pop out and show em. I’ve had many breaks throughout my career, my identity outside of fighting is well intact. I’m genuinely enjoying life, I’m growing in different ways.”
Jones`s last appearance in the octagon was in November, where he successfully defended his heavyweight title for the first time by defeating former champion Stipe Miocic.
Since that victory, Jones has not definitively committed to stepping back into active competition, despite UFC President Dana White`s repeated confident assertions that he fully expects the future Hall of Famer to return and face interim champion Aspinall to unify the heavyweight belts.
Concurrently, interim champion Tom Aspinall has become increasingly vocal about his frustration as his waiting period extends, especially given his last fight was a dominant knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes in England in July 2023.
Based on Jones`s recent remarks, it appears he is not anticipating a return to the cage in the immediate future. This situation could potentially force Tom Aspinall to consider his options and make a decision about the duration for which he is willing to wait for the undisputed title unification bout.
