An MMA pioneer might have just revealed the underlying reason for former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones’s sudden retirement.
Jon Jones caught the MMA world by surprise last weekend when he announced the end of his legendary career. Instead of proceeding with a heavyweight title unification match against interim champion Tom Aspinall, Jones chose to retire, abruptly concluding his controversial reign as heavyweight champion.
As the UFC’s heavyweight division moves forward, Jones`s absence will likely cast a long shadow over the roster for the coming months. His retirement declaration followed over seven months of speculation and contract discussions with UFC leadership for the potential clash with Aspinall.
Jones had previously suggested that a feeling of contentment was the primary driver behind his retirement announcement. However, one UFC analyst believes there is significantly more to the story.
Kenny Florian: Jon Jones`s Lack of Discipline Sparked UFC Retirement
During a recent installment of The Anik & Florian Podcast, Kenny Florian presented a distinctive hypothesis on why Jones decided to step away from the sport.
“I think that Jon Jones is always kind of struggled with the discipline aspect of the sport, and how he approaches it,” Florian commented on Jones. “Talent? It’s unquestioned, he’s been blessed with an insane amount of talent, and that’s often got him through some very difficult times through camps I’m sure, and through fights themselves. We’ve seen that.”
“But because you’re blessed with so much talent, sometimes discipline and putting in that hard work can be a difficult aspect to it…it’s paradoxical in a lot of ways, and I think for Jon Jones, having that time away from the sport, I’m wondering if he questioned that hunger and the willingness to train.”
Florian continued, “He had said that he wasn’t training for a very long time! That was the sign when I was scratching my head and asked ‘Is this fight going to happen?`” He added, “And he probably felt he’s not going to train anytime soon, and if I’m fighting someone like Tom Aspinall, you need that hunger and that time in the gym.”
It didn`t take long for Jones to notice Florian’s remarks, and he seemed to indicate that the former UFC fighter’s assessment was accurate.
“What an interesting observation gentleman,” Jones posted in a recent Instagram comment.
Jones’s comment followed a concerning series of social media posts on his X account, where the UFC icon appeared to discuss his recent legal issues erratically. One follower even suggested Jones was ‘tweaking out’ during his unusual online behavior.
Before declaring his retirement last weekend, Jones had been inactive since finishing Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. After securing the then-vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285, Jones’s period as champion was impacted by injuries and other circumstances that caused delays in his return to fighting.
Tom Aspinall`s Next Opponent Potentially Decided After Confident Negotiations
As Jones exits the scene, Aspinall is expected to bring stability and increased activity to the UFC heavyweight division. Aspinall is anticipated to compete again later this year against an opponent yet to be announced, and one of the leading contenders believes he is the likely choice for the newly recognized undisputed champion’s first title defense.
Former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane recently hinted at ongoing conversations with UFC brass regarding a fight with Aspinall later this year. Gane secured a controversial win over Alexander Volkov at UFC 311 in January.
The latest UFC rankings confirm Jones has been removed from the roster and Aspinall has ascended to undisputed champion status. After a lengthy and turbulent period spanning nearly two full years, Aspinall will now have his chance to establish himself as the undisputed heavyweight king.
Rupert Hartwell