Jon Jones gets angry and responds to criticism about his retirement from MMA

Jon Jones after his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFCIndia

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A legend of MMA, but no longer the UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), Jon Jones' retirement was announced in a questionable manner. Despite the athlete's long history of success, Dana White didn't give his compatriot the opportunity to make an announcement and ended up surprising fans by declaring, during a press conference after an event in Baku, that he no longer counted on 'Bones' in the organization.

In addition to already having a poor reputation within the MMA community during a period when he was hindering fight negotiations with Tom Aspinall and preventing the division from moving forward, Jones also angered his fans by retiring without fighting the Englishman.

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Victim of harsh criticism and strong opinions from experts, fighters and fans of the sport, the former champion ended up not being able to bear the pressure in silence and used his social networks to respond to those who did not understand his decision.

Jon Jones defended his heavyweight title at UFC 309. Photo: Instagram / UFC Español

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“I think everyone else can retire, but not when you’re still dominating. It’s funny how that works. Forget personal goals, forget business ventures. Some people really believe you should fight until they say you’re done. Wild. Imagine thinking a grown man shouldn’t control his own destiny,” Jones said on Instagram.

When sharing a photo in which he appears alongside former champions and icons of the sport, Jon admitted that he felt like a vampire in the organization.

“It’s still hard to believe how long I’ve been in the UFC. I was starting to feel a bit like a vampire,” he posted.

Jon Jones as UFC light heavyweight champion alongside F. Edgar (left), C. Velasquez, A. Silva (right) and D. Cruz. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @anahissa

At 37 years old, Jones retired as the undisputed heavyweight champion, having defended his title against Stipe Miocic in November 2024, when he brutally knocked out the Croatian. Following the decision, Aspinall became the undisputed champion and is no longer the interim champion.

Jon Jones' Historic Achievements

– Youngest champion in UFC history (23)

– Record for most title defenses in light heavyweight history, with 12 successful defenses

– 16 UFC title fight wins

– 20 fights without losing

– Two-division UFC champion

– 22 career UFC wins (5th most all-time)

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