Jon Jones recently alluded to the possibility that his potential showdown with Stipe Miocic could mark the final chapter of his illustrious career.
The reigning UFC heavyweight champion is expected to put his title on the line against Miocic at UFC 309, slated for Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16. However, the UFC has yet to officially confirm the showdown.
For Jones, this fight is one he’s been pursuing since he made his heavyweight debut in March 2023. On the other side, Miocic is determined to solidify his legacy as the greatest heavyweight in history by defeating arguably the most legendary MMA fighter of all time—Jones.
The bout brings the looming possibility that this epic clash could be the swan song for one, if not both, of these iconic fighters. "Bones", in particular, appears determined to hang up his gloves by the year's end…
Jones Signals Retirement At 'Age 37'
Jones recently engaged with a random fan on Instagram who made a sly remark about the UFC star's domestic violence incident involving his fiancée, Jessie Moses, back in September 2021. However, "Bones" chose not to respond with anything sharp. Instead, he subtly hinted at the possibility of retiring later this year.
"Fun fact: after this year, Jon Jones will never have to work again," Jones wrote. "Retired at age 37. Winning."
The former longtime UFC light heavyweight champion has toyed with the idea of retirement before, especially after a potential victory over Miocic. He has long suggested a strategy for stepping away, aiming to defeat the greatest heavyweight champion and then leave the sport with his GOAT status firmly secured.
Jones was last seen in action when he secured the heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Originally scheduled to make his first title defense against Miocic at UFC 295 last November, the 37-year-old New Yorker was forced to withdraw just days before the fight due to a serious pectoral injury.
Jones stepped into the professional MMA scene for the first time in April 2008 at a Full Force Productions event. Just four months later, he made his promotional debut at UFC 87: Seek and Destroy, facing off against Andre Gusmao and launching what would become an iconic career.