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Jon Jones responds to arthritis concerns with defiant message to fans
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- Jon Jones responds to arthritis concerns with defiant message to fans
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
UFC legend insists he remains dangerous despite ongoing health issues
Jon Jones has addressed growing concerns about his health, making it clear he still considers himself one of the most formidable fighters in the world.
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The former two-division UFC champion recently revealed he is dealing with a severe case of arthritis and could require a hip replacement, casting doubt over whether he will fight again.
Jones dismisses doubts over arthritis and fighting ability
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
After weeks of speculation about his condition, Jones took to X to respond directly to critics questioning his future in MMA.
"Random thought: Arthritis hurts, it doesn't make you cripple," he wrote.
"I'm still smashing 99.47% of you out there."
The 38-year-old's comments underline his confidence, even as questions persist about whether his body can withstand a return to elite competition.
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Jones currently finds himself at a crossroads, particularly after being left off the UFC's upcoming White House event card scheduled for June 14.
Dana White suggests Jones' career may already be over
While Jones has not officially confirmed his retirement, UFC president Dana White has indicated that the former champion's fighting days are likely behind him.
Jones initially announced his retirement in June 2025 before briefly reversing course when news broke of a planned UFC event at the White House. However, White repeatedly dismissed the idea of his involvement.
"Never ever, which I told you, guys, 100,000 times, was Jon Jones remotely in my mind to fight at the White House," White said following UFC 326.
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He pointed to Jones' physical condition as a key factor, referencing footage where the fighter appeared to struggle with mobility.
"Jon Jones, he retired because of his hips. The doctors say he should have a hip replacement."
When asked directly whether Jones is effectively retired, White responded: "Yes. Very fair."
With conflicting signals from Jones himself and the UFC president, uncertainty remains over whether one of MMA's greatest fighters has already stepped away for good — or if a final chapter could still unfold.
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