Anderson Silva pays tribute to Jon Jones after retirement announcement: 'Thank you!'

Jones (right) and Anderson (left) have a good relationship. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

Anderson Silva reacted to Jon Jones' retirement from the UFC with a message of support on social media. On his official Instagram account, the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg) of the organization made a new demonstration of affection for the American and thanked him for his achievements inside the octagon in his career. The announcement that 'Bones' would be leaving MMA was made by Dana White last Saturday (21).

“My brother, thank you for every magical moment. Your dominance inside the Octagon is unmatched, and this marks the end of another legendary era,” wrote the Brazilian.

See too

Businessman mentions Ngannou and gets excited about the possibilities after Jon Jones' retirement and Aspinall's coronation in the UFC

With a controversial history, the referee chosen for Charles do Bronx vs. Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 divides opinions

Moicano criticizes Jon Jones' retirement and says former champion 'tarnished his legacy' in the UFC

The connection between the two goes beyond mere formality. In an interview with ESPN in May of this year, Jon Jones included Anderson Silva in his 'Mount Rushmore' of MMA, alongside Georges St-Pierre and Demetrious Johnson , without any hierarchical order.

On the other hand, 'Spider' has already called his friend a 'younger brother', whenever asked if the two fighters have ever come close to measuring forces in the octagon for Dana White's company.

Jon Jones made history inside the octagon, but he was also involved in controversy

Jones ends his career at age 37 as a two-division champion – light heavyweight (up to 93kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2kg) – in addition to holding historical records: most title defenses in the light heavyweight division (11), most wins in title fights (16), and the youngest UFC champion title in history, won at age 23 against Mauricio Shogun in 2011.

The American's career was also marked by setbacks outside the octagon, such as suspensions for doping (2016, 2017), arrests for reckless driving (2015) and domestic violence (in 2021, later archived).

'Bones' retirement alters the UFC landscape. For the first time since 2004, no American holds a men's title. Tom Aspinall assumes the position of undisputed champion.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.