It now sounds like the fighting career of UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones will continue into 2025. “Bones” is coming off a decisive finish of Stipe Miocic earlier this month at UFC 309 to defend his title.
In the build-up to the bout, Jones made it known that retirement was on his mind. Now, though, it appears he has had another change of heart.
“Right now, the UFC and I, we’re in negotiations,” Jones said (thanks to MMA Mania for the quotes). “We’re in talks to see what happens next. I’m back in the gym, training, feel really great. The team supports me and they’re behind me. We’ll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes our way.”
As for competing next year, Jones said, “Yes, yes, I will be competing in 2025, more than likely.”
Jones, who is 37 years old, doesn’t necessarily have the wear and tear of someone who has been as involved in MMA for as long as he has. Due to several out-of-the-Octagon issues, he has fought just twice since 2024.
Along with finishing Miocic earlier this year, Jones bested Ciryl Gane last year in March. Prior to that, his last fight came in 2020 when he topped Dominick Reyes at light heavyweight.
Is Tom Aspinall Next For Jon Jones?
While Jones states he is in negotiations for 2025, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has said the same previously.
Aspinall, who won the belt when Jones was forced out late in 2023, was in attendance to see the bout with Miocic.
“We are in negotiations right now is the honest answer,” he said (thanks to SI.com for the quotes). “So we don’t know when the fight is gonna be, but I’ll be ready whenever.”
Jones has made it known he would prefer to face current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. He even has stated he would drop his title to make that match happen.
