It’s no secret that the career of Jon Jones is winding down, but the UFC legend’s recent retirement bombshell could be a major blow for the company.
The 37-year-old, who hasn’t fought inside the octagon since capturing the heavyweight title in March of last year, is preparing for a return against Stipe Miocic.
Jones has been chasing what many have described as a legacy fight for the champ, with Miocic held in astonishingly high regard by those within the MMA world.
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His extended absence places the UFC in a tricky predicament as English sensation Tom Aspinall stakes his claim for the top prize, winning two straight fights for the interim title but has been left to wait idly by for Jones to take on Miocic.
The latest development will only further cloud the top of the heavyweight division, with Jones claiming last weekend that UFC 309 in New York may be the end of his career.
“It’s going to be the last time … more than likely,” he said.
When quizzed about Jones’ future on Wednesday, White failed to give a clear answer.
“You’ve got to figure out what’s going to happen in this fight,” he said.
“See how this fight plays out and then we’ll go from there.”
The news will no doubt be frustrating for Aspinall, who has carved out quite the resume over the past 12 months but continues to be stuck in limbo.
Jones has been one of the top draws in UFC history and given the lack of star power at the promotion’s disposal, the timing of his retirement news is a tough pill to swallow.
Conor McGregor is waiting for a call, Amanda Nunes is retired, Sean O’Malley was just dethroned as champ and Israel Adesanya has lost three out of his past four bouts.
So, at a time where the UFC could certainly do with Jones being active and taking on the rising star in Aspinall or a highly-anticipated clash with Alex Pereira, the American superstar already has one foot out of the cage.
Right now, it’s a matter of hoping Jones and Miocic get into the cage without issue in November for a showdown between two all-time greats.
The pair were meant to square off last year, but injury drama forced a postponement before officials finally confirmed the date last weekend at UFC 306 in Las Vegas.
From there, it will be up to White’s golden child to decide whether he wants to stick around and risk his legacy against the dangerous Aspinall or ride off into the sunset.