Jon Jones Retires: Total Control or End of an Era in the UFC?

The news of Jon Jones’ retirement, considered by many to be the best mixed martial artist of all time, was received with surprise and a hint of disappointment by Dana White, CEO of the UFC. Jones, known for his skill and dominance in the octagon, has always been a fighter who has acted under his own rules and at his own pace. His retirement was no exception.

The End of an Era or a New Strategy?

Jones’ decision to retire raises a crucial question: is this really the end of his complicated career? For better or for worse, Jones is easily the most “selfish” fighter in UFC history. This characteristic, although criticized by many, has been fundamental to both his professional success and the detriment of others. The withdrawal of Jones truncated an expected unification fight for the heavyweight title against interim champion Tom Aspinall. Jones, instead of facing Aspinall, chose to disparage his opponent, calling him inexperienced and annoying, while deciding to accept a fight with Stipe Miocic, a 42-year-old former champion. This decision, which could be seen as a strategy to preserve his legacy, generated controversy. White, who had assured that the fight with Miocic would take place, looked visibly disappointed. Jones has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to maintain control over his career. His lack of concern for fans, promoters, or teammates is notable, but it is also one of the characteristics that have distinguished him. The way Jones has handled his career, prioritizing his needs, is evident in numerous examples. The UFC, despite Jones’ legal troubles, has backed him, perhaps more than any other fighter, with the exception of Conor McGregor.

The fight was set. We had the fight set a long time ago. Why he decided not to fight, you’ll have to ask him.

Dana White

A notable example of this was when Jones refused to fight Chael Sonnen, which led to the cancellation of UFC 151 in 2012.

When asked if Jones had evaded Aspinall, White responded by citing the UFC 151 incident: “I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again: Jon Jones has never evaded anyone, apart from that time with Chael Sonnen.” Jones’ strategy of prioritizing his own interests has allowed him to protect his status as the GOAT of MMA. The first part of his career was filled with dominant performances, but in the last decade, he has fought on few occasions due to legal issues, suspensions, and injuries. Outside of his two fights with Daniel Cormier, the second half of Jones’ career doesn’t compare to the first. Jones has avoided exposing himself to the possibility of losing by fighting infrequently. However, fans began to question what would happen against a top-level opponent in their prime. For Jones, it’s not about money, loyalty, or pleasing anyone else. It’s about doing what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants. According to White, when Jones got tired of the fans’ complaints and was possibly given a deadline to make a decision about fighting or relinquishing the heavyweight belt, he called and retired. If (or when) Jones decides to come out of retirement to fight Aspinall or someone else, he will be in a position to negotiate. After all, retirement is an advantage in MMA, and if there’s one thing Jones loves, it’s operating on his own terms.