Jon Jones formally introduced his retreat from the UFC on Saturday night.
“This choice comes after many reflections and I need to take a second to precise my deepest gratitude for the journey that I’ve skilled through the years”, Jones wrote on social media.
“From the primary time I entered the octagon, my aim was to push the boundaries of what was potential on this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in historical past, defending my title in opposition to a number of the finest fighters on this planet and sharing the unforgettable moments with followers all around the world all around the world, which I’ll love myself. An individual.
I need to thank Ufc, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my household, the coaches, the teammates and all of the followers who’ve been subsequent to me in each chapter. Your unwavering help and perception in me had been my basis. To my fighter companions, thanks for bringing out the very best in me and for the respect we shared inside and out of doors the cage.
As I shut this chapter of my life, I can not wait to go on new alternatives and challenges. The MMA will at all times be a part of what I’m and I’m excited to see how I can proceed to contribute to sport and encourage others in new methods. Thank you all for being a part of this unimaginable journey with me. The finest is but to return. “
Jones was beforehand the UFC most weight champion, whereas Tom Aspinall was the interim champion of the utmost weights.
Jones, 37, leaves sport with a document of 28-1 virtually good. His solely loss arrived in July 2022 when his knee was injured in opposition to Curtis Blaydes. Jones grew to become the youngest champion within the historical past of UFCs when he obtained the title of the sunshine weights gentle in 2011 at 23 years, lastly going to the division of heavyweights in 2023.
Before his retreat, Jones needed to face the strain to free his title due to his extended inactivity and delays in protection in opposition to Aspinall.
In 2023, following a 3 -year break, Jones returned to the UFC for his first battle of the heavyweights, persevering with to defeat CIRYL Gane within the first spherical and declare the belt that had been freed by Francis Ngnanu simply earlier than, For Sportsnet. Jones defended the belt in opposition to the previous lengthy -standing Stipe Miocic champion in November 2024. He revealed at the start of this month that he had not “actually elaborated” from that victory at UFC 309, Relationship for bleacher.
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