As the showdown of heavyweights between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic draws closer, there is one nagging question. What lies beyond the fight for ‘Bones’? The American fighter clinched the heavyweight title at UFC 285 as he snapped his three-year layoff. With the 265-pound division title now listed in his resume, what else is there for him to achieve?
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If Joe Rogan is to be believed, the heavyweight champion has already put the GOAT debate to rest. With his legacy now set in stone, he faces an uphill task with Miocic. The murmurs of his retirement have gained traction, and Jones’ post-fight comments from UFC 285 also strengthen the rumors. While some believe he has to fight surging contenders Tom Aspinall or Sergei Pavlovich next, the champion himself has a different target in sight.
Jon Jones reveals what’s next after Stipe Miocic fight
The 36-year-old fighter recently turned to his Instagram handle and responded to a fan’s question. The fan hilariously pointed out that the MMA fighter might have to fight Batman next. They asked, “what’s next after stipe for you? you’ll have to fight batman after that there’s no one left”.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 06: Jon Jones of the United States looks on prior to his UFC Light Heavyweight Title bout against Thiago Santos of Brazil at T-Mobile Arena on July 06, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones defeated Santos by decision. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Rochester native maintained the playful tone of the conversation. Without disclosing much, he replied with a relieved emoji and added, “next I just may kick your as*”.
Ever since Jones claimed the title against Ciryl Gane, he has flirted with the idea of hanging up his MMA gloves after a title defense. “I got at least one more in me. That’s what I’m gonna give the fans,” he announced at the UFC 285 presser. However, UFC President Dana White’s recent comments hint toward a future beyond retirement.
Dana White drops major update about Jones’ future
The UFC lynchpin, in a recent conversation with Mike Tyson, lauded the heavyweight fighter. Further, the definite decision about Jones’ retirement hinges on the opportunities and challenges at hand after he fights.
He said, “Jon’s talking about retiring after that fight, but we will see what happens. We’ll see how it plays out. I think it will depend on what challenges are out there for him after that fight.”
Currently, the biggest challenge on the horizon is Tom Aspinall, a fighter who has terrorized the division with his brutal knockout power. The English fighter has the backing of Michael Bisping and even has the UFC head honcho excited for a future fight. But it all depends on whether Jones wants to fight more when he has nothing more to prove. Jones and Miocic square off at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden in November.
What do you make of this comment by UFC champion Jon Jones? When do you believe he will hang up his MMA gloves? Let us know in the comments below.
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