UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has made it no secret that his fighting days are nearing their end. While fans speculated that his dominant win against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 might mark his final bout, Jones, also known as “Bones,” has expressed his desire for one last fight before hanging up his gloves.
However, Jones has now disclosed the deeper reasons behind his decision to retire while still at the top of his game.
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Prioritizing health and family
In an interview with YouTuber Alex G Was Here, Jones opened up about his motivations for retiring early. The 37-year-old fighter, who has faced his share of injuries, revealed that his primary concern is avoiding long-term health issues, particularly brain injuries like CTE, which have plagued many fighters in retirement.
“I pride myself on being a simple guy,” Jones explained. “I want to have a real simple life, doing normal stuff, just being a dad, staying healthy, and keeping a good head on my shoulders. You see a lot of fighters who keep going for too long, and they start forgetting their own name. I never want to be a punch-drunk athlete. I just want to get out while I still feel great and save these neurons for my babies, to be a great dad.”
Jones‘ words highlight the sacrifices athletes make for their craft and the risks that come with prolonging a career in combat sports. For him, the decision is about securing a healthy, fulfilling future with his family.
During the interview, Jones also expressed admiration for two iconic figures in sports: LeBron James and Deion Sanders. Both have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also cultivated strong bonds with their children, inspiring Jones to do the same.
“I love what Deion Sanders is doing with his son and what LeBron James is doing with his son-really passing the torch and teaching their kids the way,” Jones said. “That’s what I want to do. I want to teach my kids how to be great business people, make good money, be dedicated athletes, or just be good citizens, husbands, and wives. That’s my goal.”
Jones, a self-described “girl dad,” emphasized the importance of being a role model and a backbone for his daughters as they grow.
