Jon Jones may be away from active competition, but the former UFC champion is not ready to close the book on his fighting career.
While assisting Gable Steveson during preparations for his UFC debut at UFC 329 on July 11, Jones revealed he is still training at a high level and believes his body is responding well after recent treatment.
Jones says he still feels ready to compete
Jones has been serving as Steveson’s primary training partner ahead of the Olympic gold medalist’s matchup with Elisha Ellison in Las Vegas.
When asked on social media about the possibility of returning to the Octagon, Jones made it clear that retirement is not a firm decision.
“Never say never,”
“Right now we are finishing up Gable‘s training camp. He’s looking extraordinary. I’ve been his main training partner, and I’m moving like I never left. Stem cells must be working.”
Recovery has improved after health concerns
Jones has not competed since November 2024, when he stopped Stipe Miocic by third-round knockout at UFC 309 in New York.
Earlier this year, the former two-division champion disclosed that years of wrestling and mixed martial arts had taken a heavy toll on his body. He revealed he was dealing with severe arthritis and had already qualified for a hip replacement. Jones also admitted that he went through the Miocic training camp while battling significant pain.
Despite those setbacks, he believes stem cell treatment has helped him recover and return to a strong level of training.
Heavyweight return remains a possibility
Jones, who turns 39 in July, owns a professional record of 28 wins, one loss, and one no contest.
Before the UFC White House event, he had expressed interest in a heavyweight showdown with Alex Pereira. That matchup never came together, as Pereira instead faced Ciryl Gane and suffered a defeat.