Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is expressing significant skepticism regarding Jon Jones`s recent retirement declaration.
Jon Jones put an end to months of speculation surrounding a potential clash with Tom Aspinall by announcing his retirement from the sport last weekend. Following this, Tom Aspinall was elevated to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion status and is anticipated to make his first title defense later this year, potentially against contenders such as Ciryl Gane or Alexander Volkov.
Jones`s retirement decision continues to cause considerable surprise within the MMA community, with many criticizing the UFC legend for stepping away before facing Aspinall. UFC CEO Dana White has publicly stated his bewilderment over the move, particularly after consistently assuring fans that the Jones vs. Aspinall fight was in the works.
Despite Jones`s announcement, Israel Adesanya remains unconvinced that this retirement will be permanent.
Israel Adesanya Believes Jon Jones`s Retirement is Only Temporary
Jones and Adesanya have had a complex relationship over the years, including past discussions about a potential superfight. However, the two prominent UFC figures reportedly buried their long-standing feud when they met during UFC 290 fight week in July 2023.
Even with their improved relationship, Adesanya believes that the now-former UFC heavyweight champion`s recent controversial social media activity and his retirement announcement are calculated moves as part of a larger strategy.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Adesanya offered his explanation for why he expects Jones`s UFC retirement to be brief.
“I think he`ll come back. It`s the drama of it. Someone was telling me about the tweets. I had a look and I was like, ‘He’s coming back,’” Adesanya said about Jones. “What do the kids call it, rage-baiting? It`s working.
And again, I don`t agree with the fact of holding up the division. Tom defended the belt, that’s a defense on his book. Let the division keep moving. There’s too much money.
They offered him $20, $30 million? Yeah, I think he`ll come back. It`ll be even bigger by the time he comes back because Tom will have had two or three fights and built up his own legacy as well.”
Jones recently stirred controversy by appearing to contradict Dana White`s assertion that the fight with Aspinall was close to finalized before his retirement. Jones`s public statements seemed to dismiss White`s claims.
Adesanya`s prediction regarding Jones`s potential comeback appears increasingly plausible, especially after Jones himself hinted just days after his retirement announcement that he was “not really retired,” leaving the possibility of a return open.
Jon Jones Suggests He`s `Not Really Retired` and Eyes Potential Return
Responding to a follower on social media who expressed belief that he would return, the former UFC heavyweight champion seemed receptive to the idea. If Jones were to end his retirement in the near future, he would likely be positioned for an immediate title opportunity, particularly if his former rival, Ciryl Gane, were to win the championship.
As a reminder, Tom Aspinall secured the interim heavyweight title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. He successfully defended this belt by finishing Curtis Blaydes in the first round of their rematch at UFC 304 last July.
Israel Adesanya is also expected to return to competition later this year, potentially facing Sean Strickland in a rematch. As 2026 approaches, the possibility remains that Jon Jones could decide against permanently stepping away from the sport.
Jack Thornley