Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Jon Jones says he has faced “incredible highs and some tough lows” in the sport as part of a retirement message ending a professional MMA career of more than 16 years.
Jones, who will be 38 on July 19, defended his heavyweight title by knocking out Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on November 16 and had been expected to face Briton Tom Aspinall, who became interim light heavyweight champion in November 2023 when injury prevented Jones from fighting.
“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport,” said the American, thanking UFC president Dana White, his coaches and family among a list of supporters.
“Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever.”
Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.
From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to…
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 22, 2025
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Jon Jones record: UFC great
After winning six fights in three months at the start of his career, Jones first appeared for the promotion when he beat Andre Gusmao at UFC 87 in August 2008.
The fighter known as ‘Bones’ won five times and suffered his only loss – a disqualification for illegal elbows – before taking the age record for a title holder as a 23-year-old against Mauricio Rua at light heavyweight in March 2011.
He defended the belt an astonishing eight times but was stripped of the title after the last of those wins, against Daniel Cormier in January 2015, for a hit-and-run conviction.
Jones averaged less than a fight a year after being reinstated and winning the interim light heavyweight crown in April 2016.
Having vacated the light heavyweight title in February 2020, Jones beat Ciryl Gane in his next fight to become heavyweight king on his debut at the weight. The win over Miocic was his only other bout.
Jon Jones: Retired UFC champ ‘excited’
“This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years,” said Jones.
“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.
“To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways.
“Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME IS NOW THE HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMP 🏆
JON JONES SUBMITS CIRYL GANE!! #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/JOiAnweVJ5
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023
Jon Jones controversies
Jones has faced numerous legal issues outside of MMA, including a year-long suspension in 2016 for a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, although he disputes the finding.
His win over Cormier in 2017 was changed to a No Contest because Jones tested positive for a banned steroid, with the United States Anti-Doping Agency banning him until October 2018 but finding that he “was not intentionally cheating in this case”.
The Albuquerque Journal, in the New Mexico city where Jones is a resident, alleged shortly after his retirement announcement that the man regarded by many as the greatest UFC fighter in history is facing a criminal summons for leaving the scene of an accident in February.
The outlet reported that Jones has been called to appear for a bond arraignment on July 24 in Metro Court, cited a representative of his sports management agency to have referred them to an attorney and said, Chris Dodd, who represented the athlete in a past case, had told them he could not comment.
