UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones remains uncertain about his fighting future, neither confirming his return nor announcing retirement.
Jones, who impressively defended his title by defeating Stipe Miocic in November, has long been linked to a fight against Tom Aspinall. However, this potential bout has seen little progress towards being scheduled, leading to repeated frustration from Aspinall, which Jones`s current statements may worsen.
Speaking to Vic Blends about the possibility of one more fight (“one more rodeo”), Jones commented, “I don’t know what life holds as far as fighting and competing.” He added that he sees himself remaining involved in martial arts throughout his life, potentially through coaching or exhibition bouts, and acknowledged the presence of significant talent still competing in the UFC.
Jones feels his status allows him greater flexibility compared to many other fighters, stating, “I do view myself as more than a fighter and being in my position, I feel like I have a lot more options than a lot of the other fighters as far as the ability to leave and return and things like that.”
Earlier, Jones posted on social media suggesting the UFC was aware of his future plans and expressed surprise they hadn`t been announced. More recently, he was in Thailand filming a reality show similar to *The Ultimate Fighter*, but this hasn`t clarified his intentions regarding a potential return to competition.
Despite calls for the UFC to strip Jones of his heavyweight title, it`s considered improbable that the promotion would do so, especially since he hasn`t definitively ruled out fighting again and has only been inactive for six months.
However, based on his recent statements, Jones does not appear to be in a hurry to return to the octagon.
Regarding his focus outside of fighting, Jones spoke about 2025: “Right now I’m just focusing on love, happiness, kindness, we’re in the quarter-century mark and this year should be a really special year. This year I’m saying yes to more opportunities. I’m traveling more. I’m consciously being kinder to people and that’s just the way of my mind right now is just love and kindness and peace and focusing on family and focusing on me, my aura.”
Outside of MMA, Jones is pursuing other ventures, such as acting, a longtime aspiration. He finds this transition enjoyable, building a resume beyond fighting, while also aiming to mentor younger fighters.
He explained his current endeavors: “Just trying to be the best businessman I can be. I’m trying to prove to myself I can be great in more than one field. I try to be really good on camera with acting next.”
Jones also wants to guide others, particularly young UFC fighters, based on his own experiences. He mentioned aiming to “inspire others and help other UFC fighters in some of the ways where I went wrong as far as pay and endorsements and what to look out for as far as the leeches and things like that. Try to be a great mentor to some of these young guys that are coming up and make it to heaven.”
Regardless of his future in competition, Jones maintains his love for MMA, though it remains uncertain if this passion will lead to one final fight.
He concluded by emphasizing his connection to the sport: “I’ll always love MMA. Somehow the universe made me one of the best at it so I’ll always love it. I’ll always love it.”
