Jon “Bones” Jones, Legendary Mixed-Marital Artist, Announces His Retirement From The UFC

Jon “Bones” Jones, widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist in UFC history, has officially announced his retirement from the sport.

The news was first confirmed by UFC President Dana White during a press conference at UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan. “Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White revealed. “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”

Jones, 36, later addressed fans directly via social media. “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,” the multi-division champion wrote.

“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. 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.

“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. He concluded, adding, “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.”

Jones retires with an extraordinary record of 28-1, with his only loss coming via disqualification for a move that is now legal under UFC rules. He made history by becoming the youngest champion in UFC history at the age of 21 and has remained a dominant figure in the sport for over a decade.

His retirement comes as a shock to many, especially with a highly anticipated clash against interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall on the horizon—a bout many considered Jones’ toughest potential challenge to date.

White acknowledged the situation, noting the impact on Aspinall. “I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and money, but we’ll make it up to him. Tom Aspinall is a good guy. He’s been incredible through this whole process that we’ve gone through.”

White continued to praise the new official heavyweight champ, particularly Aspinall’s willingness to step inside the octagon against any fighter in the UFC.

“He’s been willing to do anything—fight him anywhere and anytime and do this, and now he’s like, ‘I’ll fight anybody. You tell me who, and I’ll fight him.’ So Aspinall has been great. He’s going to be a great heavyweight champion for us, and I’m excited to work with him.”

As Jones steps away from active competition, his legacy remains unmatched—an athlete whose mix of athleticism, IQ, and skill forever altered the landscape of MMA. Fans now wait to see what his next chapter will hold outside the Octagon.

See Jon Jones’ X official retirement announcement below.