Weeks after Jon Jones` surprising retirement from the UFC, the situation is becoming clearer. Following a lengthy period of uncertainty in the heavyweight division, UFC President Dana White recently confirmed that Jon Jones has formally retired.
This announcement led to former interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall being recognized as the undisputed titleholder, having previously been unable to face Jones.
While the timing of Jones` retirement announcement, coming after the UFC`s inaugural event in Baku, was unexpected, the retirement itself felt somewhat unavoidable given the preceding events.
Cormier Suggests UFC`s Quick Action Implies Frustration with Jones
Daniel Cormier, Jones` longtime and perhaps greatest rival, was involved in one of the sport`s most significant feuds. Initially, Cormier criticized Jones` decision, calling him a `quitter` for not fighting Tom Aspinall (the Brit).
However, he later softened his stance, surprisingly acknowledging his rival`s impressive career achievements.
Now, weeks after the 37-year-old`s departure, Cormier speculates that the UFC`s apparent speed in removing Jones from the active roster suggests frustration on their part.
Speaking on the Pound-for-Pound Podcast, Cormier remarked, “It`s surprising how fast they took Jon Jones off the roster. Usually, athletes are allowed to `linger` there. This suggests they must have been frustrated, very frustrated, because fighters who say they`re done often remain listed for a while.”
He added, “I believe there`s some frustration involved. They announced Jon`s retirement at a post-fight press conference in Baku, and it wasn`t even the primary topic Dana mentioned initially. That might indicate some level of frustration.”
Dana White Disputes Jones` Claim About 2024 Retirement Date
Following his official retirement announcement, Jones posted extensively on social media, asserting that he had actually informed the UFC of his retirement back in 2024.
However, UFC President Dana White contradicted Jones` assertion during the UFC 317 post-fight press conference, stating simply, “Not true.”
Gareth Pendleton