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Jon Jones changes course once more as uncertainty surrounds UFC return
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- Jon Jones changes course once more as uncertainty surrounds UFC return
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Jon Jones is considering retirement again, less than a year after first stepping away from the sport.
Back in June 2025, he announced that he was done with MMA.
A few weeks later, 'Bones' changed his mind and said he planned to return to fighting in 2026.
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But now the 38-year-old former two-weight champion appears to be second-guessing his future again.
Jon Jones may be ready to walk away from MMA
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Jones has fans worried he might be finished with MMA after footage of him playing in a charity football match made the rounds on social media.
The 38-year-old did not look great physically, struggling to move freely and lacking his usual explosiveness, which set off concerns about his future in fighting.
Speaking to Helen Yee that same day, Jones said: "I think I could be done.
"I'm young enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world. I am healthy enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world, but I've always been used to competing with THE best in the world.
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"That's a really high standard to uphold. So, maybe it's just about doing it right and getting out at a really good time. I don't wanna be one of these fighters that wins some and loses some, and can't remember what your name is.
"I met a fighter a few years ago, and he didn't know what his birthday was. That's a lot of fighting.
"I'm far from that, and I don't wanna know what that looks like."
Jon Jones gives update on injury
Just a few days earlier, Jones revealed that he 'qualifies for a hip replacement' due to severe arthritis.
The MMA icon was explaining why he cannot wrestle Daniel Cormier in a private conversation that was leaked online.
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"I have severe arthritis, and most people don't know that. My left hip is covered in arthritis. I actually already qualify for a hip replacement. My last training camp? Man, I went to bed in so much pain.
"I have a three-year-old baby boy, and I want to use what I've got left of my hips to play with him."
Despite the issues with his hip, Jones said that it would not stop him from making a UFC return.
Even so, it does seem like the 38-year-old knows his fighting career is probably over.
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