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Jone Jones’ return to the UFC was one of the most impressive performances in MMA history.
After making easy work of Ciryl Gane, the GOAT has his eyes set on Stipe Miocic, who is considered the heavyweight GOAT.
But it seems Jones’ return to the Octagon will be short-lived, as Jon Jones announces his plan for retirement. However, there’s one fighter he’d unretire for.
According to MMA Fighting, Jones believes that defeating Miocic will be enough to supplant him as the UFC GOAT.
“I feel like the Stipe fight will be plenty for me. I really don’t feel like I have much to prove after beating Stipe Miocic. I’ve been in the game a long time, and in fighter years, I’m an old guy.”
Considering Jones’ track record, he’s probably right. In fact, he could retire right now and he’d still be recognized as the GOAT. But taking on Miocic and defeating him could put Jon Jones into another stratosphere of greatness.
Additionally, Jon Jones has retirement on his mind as he seemingly wants to spend more time with his family.
“I’ve got some small injuries and I just really want to be around. I want to be around for my family, I want to be around for my kids, I want to be able to play with my kids and have a good head on my shoulders, and joints that work. So yeah, I can see it coming to an end really soon.”
But at the same time, it seems there is one fighter that Jones would love to take on, per MMA Fighting. And that man is Francis Ngannou.
Jon Jones explains why he’d come out of retirement to fight Ngannou if the former heavyweight champ came back to the UFC.
“I do believe a Francis Ngannou fight would be worth entertaining not retiring. I think a Francis fight would come with some serious revenue, and that would make it worth my while. Francis is a former champion, he’s pretty damn popular [in the U.S.], and across the world. It would bring in a lot of money, and for that, I’d be willing to come back.”
Due to the way Ngannou departed from the UFC, it’s hard to imagine this fight ever coming to fruition right now. But when it comes to combat sports, never say never.
Jon Jones will be taking on Stipe Miocic to defend the heavyweight title. The fight is in the works to take place at some point in 2023.
It should be one of the bigger cards in UFC history and it should be quite the spectacle. Especially considering the organization wants the fight to take place in Madison Square Garden.
With that said, look for Jon Jones to officially announce his retirement after he fights Stipe Miocic. If that’s the case, then this could be the biggest PPV event in UFC history.