Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is feeling good about his future inside the Octagon after reversing his retirement decision.
A heavyweight unification bout between the American star and Tom Aspinall was anticipated for 2025.
The UFC had reportedly offered him $30 million to make that fight happen.
But Jones is alleged to have pulled out of the deal. After that, the 38-year-old legend announced his retirement from MMA before briefly making a U-turn in a bid to feature on the UFC White House card.
Jon Jones reveals he is dealing with minor injury
Jones ended his retirement almost immediately after finding out the UFC planned to host an event at the White House in July 2026.
However, UFC CEO Dana White, frustrated by Jones’ behaviour, has ruled him out of what would have been a landmark occasion.
Despite that setback, ‘Bones’ sounded positive about his future during a recent social media post.
“I just got done doing some stem cells,” Jones revealed.
“I usually don’t complain to the fans about all the different injuries I’ve had over the years. You guys usually only hear about the major ones. I usually just get back to work and fight the toughest competition the world has to offer.
“This time, I took a little step back and I got some stem cells done. Some things that really needed to get addressed, I wanted to thank the UFC for supporting that.
“Life is good, your boy is healing. Becoming stronger so that I can finish my old man chapter like a real badass.
“I think a lot of great things are to come, but all great things take time.
“I’m patient. I’m a man on a mission. A man with a plan.”
Israel Adesanya backs Jon Jones’ retirement
Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya have not always seen eye-to-eye, but the former middleweight champion has recently spoken up in support of Jones’ decision to retire.
Adesanya understands why Jones walked away from a reported $30 million deal, especially with Tom Aspinall waiting on the other side of that contract.
“If I was in his position, I would’ve probably done the smart thing, which is after Stipe bounce. If I prolonged it for maybe a few months, and I just know I’m not going to fight anymore, I’m not rolling the dice against a guy like that.
“You don’t wanna risk it because it’s a great legacy. God forbid, he beats you, you’ve gotta come back again and try to fight him again and beat him. It will extend your career for another two years because you are trying to get that back,” he said to Demetrious Johnson.
“I think he’s gonna come back. He’s gonna come back after he sees more of Tom fighting two other guys and probably get his stock up.
“He’ll do it. It’s Jon Jones. Me and Jon, we’re cool. I’ve been a fan… Tom is a different beast. Fighting Tom is a different beast, but I think he’ll do it, and the fight will be that much bigger.”
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