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Jon Jones signals major career shake-up: Will trade UFC octagon for RAF?
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- Jon Jones signals major career shake-up: Will trade UFC octagon for RAF?
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Jon Jones has said he wants to fight across different promotions.
The ex-UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion appears to be done with the Octagon after missing out on a spot on the White House card.
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Following a heated dispute with Dana White over contract terms, Jones asked for his UFC release and has since made it clear he plans to continue his fighting career outside the promotion.
He even recently added another sport and organisation to the list of places he'd be open to fighting for.
Jones wants to break away from his UFC deal, something he spoke about during his appearance on the Netflix broadcast for MVP MMA: Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano.
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Jon Jones hints at RAF appearance while backing Gable Steveson at RAF 09
That reignited talk of a long-discussed showdown with Francis Ngannou, and 'Bones' has even contacted a high-profile lawyer as he pushes to leave MMA's leading promotion.
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But Jones isn't only interested in fighting in the sport that made him famous.
He's also mentioned the possibility of taking up boxing with IBA and more recently showed interest in a wrestling match under the Real American Freestyle banner.
Speaking to Chael Sonnen after Gable Steveson's debut win at RAF 09, Jones said: "Guys, I will say it's so good to be back with the wrestling community. I love you guys and I miss you guys."
"I would absolutely love to wrestle with you guys," he continued. "That's what made me who I am today. So definitely keep your eyes open for some great collaborations between myself and RAF."
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The former UFC champion is serving as one of Steveson's coaches as the Olympic gold medalist begins his transition into MMA.
RAF co-founder Izzy Martinez didn't seem surprised by Jones' comments either. The UFC has allowed fighters to compete in Real American Freestyle while under contract before, but it remains unclear if they'll give permission to Jones given his current relationship with White and Co.
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