Jon Jones recently said that his high-profile match against Stipe Miocic might very likely be his last, unless one certain heavyweight returns to the UFC.
The former light heavyweight champion returned to the UFC and quickly claimed the vacant heavyweight title by dominating Ciryl Gane in just one round. Now, the MMA icon looks set to make his first title defence against Stipe Miocic, one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
The bout hasn’t yet been confirmed, but it’s looking likely to take place at Madison Square Garden in November. Jones sent fans into a frenzy last month when he sent out a tweet claiming it would be a great way to retire. Now he’s further reiterated that stance.
Jones told Fox Sports Australia: “Right now, my goal is to have one more big against Stipe Miocic, Madison Square Garden and then kinda hang it up from there.”
This match would mark the end of what is arguably the greatest UFC career in history. Jones continued: “ I feel like I don’t really have much to prove after beating Stipe Miocic. I’ve been in the game a long time and in fighter years, I’m an old guy.”
Jones then went on to say that he would like to be there for his family. He continued: “I’ve been training for a long time, I’ve been in the game for a long time and got some small injuries – I just really want to be around.”
“Be around for my family, be around for my kids. I want to be able to play with my kids, and have a good head on my shoulders, and have joints that work. So I can see it coming to an end really soon, and I’m happy with that. I’m really proud of my career.”
However, there is one matchup that can persuade Jones to think twice about calling it quits. Fans have been clamoring for a match between Jones and Francis Ngannou for years. Jones also believes it’s a bout that would make a lot of money and would be entertaining.
Jones said: “I do believe a Francis Ngannou fight would be worth entertaining not retiring. I think a Francis fight would come with some serious revenue and that would make it worth my while.”
“Francis is a former champion, he’s pretty damn popular here in America and across the world. It would bring in a lot of money and for that, I would be willing to come back.”
It seems like fans will just have to wait and see what happens next in Jones’ career.