Jon Jones` surprising retirement from the UFC a few weeks ago is still being discussed. Following months of speculation about the heavyweight division, UFC President Dana White recently confirmed Jon Jones` official retirement.
As a result, former interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall became the undisputed champion, having previously hoped to face Jones (“Bones”). While the retirement announcement itself, made after the UFC`s debut event in Baku, was unexpected, it felt somewhat inevitable given the recent developments.
Daniel Cormier suspects UFC`s frustration with Jones
Daniel Cormier, one of Jones` most significant rivals throughout their careers, shared one of the sport`s most intense rivalries. Initially, Cormier criticized Jones for retiring, calling him a “quitter” for avoiding a fight with the British contender (referring to Aspinall).
However, Cormier later softened his stance, surprisingly acknowledging his longtime rival`s impressive career accomplishments.
Now, weeks after the 37-year-old`s retirement, Cormier speculates that the UFC`s swift removal of Jones from the official roster indicates their frustration.
Speaking on the Pound-for-Pound Podcast, Cormier commented, “It’s so crazy too because, they actually took Jon Jones off the roster, that was fast! Normally you let them linger. They must just be frustrated, they must’ve been super frustrated because how often is someone still sitting on the roster after they say, `I’m done.`”
He added that the announcement itself felt secondary, saying, “I think there`s some frustration… they announced that Jon was retiring in Baku… and it wasn`t even the first thing that came out of Dana`s mouth… There might be some frustration there.”
Dana White disputes Jones` 2024 retirement claim
Following his official retirement, Jones posted extensively on social media, asserting that he had informed the UFC of his retirement plans back in 2024. However, during the UFC 317 post-fight press conference, Dana White refuted Jones` statement, simply saying, “Not true.”
Rupert Hartwell