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

Jon Jones in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFCIndia

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

In addition to no longer getting good impressions from the MMA community during a period that made fight negotiations difficult against Tom aspinall and prevented the division from going ahead, Jones also angered his fans by hanging up his gloves 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 the heavyweight title at UFC 309. photo: Instagram / UFC Espanol

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

At age 37, Jones retired as the lineal heavyweight champion and with one title defense under his belt. Stipe Miocic, in November 2024, when he brutally knocked out the Croatian. After the decision, Aspinall became the belt holder in the category and is no longer the interim.

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)