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Jon Jones reveals ‘severe arthritis’ and says he now qualifies for a hip replacement
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- Jon Jones reveals ‘severe arthritis’ and says he now qualifies for a hip replacement
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Jon Jones has opened up about a serious health issue that could put an end to his career in the Octagon.
The former two-weight UFC champion stepped away from the sport last year, despite having previously agreed to a $30 million bout with Tom Aspinall to unify the heavyweight title. He soon ended his retirement, expressing interest in returning at UFC White House, but those plans were dismissed after Dana White made it clear it wouldn't happen.
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Jones later revealed another reason for his hesitation to return. The topic came up when he was asked about the possibility of facing Daniel Cormier again, this time in a trilogy bout under the RAF Wrestling banner.
Jon Jones says he suffers from 'severe arthritis' in grim career update
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Jon Jones, often regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, has faced legendary opponents across generations, holding titles in both the heavyweight and light-heavyweight divisions. His most recent fight came at UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic, a bout that many viewed more as an exhibition than a true contest.
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Jones had been scheduled to take on Tom Aspinall last year but withdrew from the fight before announcing his retirement—a decision he reversed just days later. Recently, he's shown interest in a high-profile clash with Alex Pereira, though now it seems he may be stepping away from the sport altogether.
He was caught backstage during a Dirty Boxing event by TikTok user 'Noah The Boah,' who filmed him using Meta Glasses. During their chat, Noah asked about another potential match with Cormier under RAF Wrestling rules. Jones leaned in and spoke softly, sharing details about his severe medical condition that hadn't been made public before.
"I have severe arthritis," Jones said quietly. "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 every day and was waking up every single day just going through pain."
Buckley then asked if UFC were going to cover his medical costs, Jones replied: "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."
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