The MMA world is buzzing following the official announcement of Jon Jones’ retirement from the UFC. While many fans seem relieved by the news, effectively ending a prolonged standstill in the heavyweight division, the decision has left some prominent figures, including fellow pound-for-pound great Demetrious Johnson, scratching their heads.
UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed Jones’ retirement after months of speculation and delays surrounding a potential heavyweight title unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall. Jones’ long layoff, holding the belt since March 2023, had become a major point of frustration within the division and among fans.
With Jones stepping away, Tom Aspinall has been elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion. Aspinall has made it clear he intends to be an active champion, setting ambitious goals to solidify his legacy and potentially vie for GOAT status himself.
Demetrious Johnson Reacts to Jones’ Retirement
One of the sport’s most respected voices, Demetrious Johnson, didn’t hold back his confusion regarding Jones’ timing, particularly the decision not to face Aspinall in what could have been a monumental final fight.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, “Mighty Mouse” admitted, “Deep down inside… I don’t understand why he didn’t fight him [Aspinall].”
Johnson speculated on the possible reasons behind Jones’ choice to retire rather than take the highly anticipated matchup. He suggested it might have been a negotiation tactic, perhaps Jones asking for an exorbitant figure like “$30-40 million dollars” knowing the UFC wouldn’t pay it.
However, Johnson also entertained the possibility that the formidable challenge Aspinall presents played a role.
The Aspinall Factor: A ‘Huge Risk’ Jones Avoided?
According to Johnson’s analysis, Tom Aspinall represents a significant threat unlike many Jones has faced. DJ highlighted Aspinall’s attributes:
Youth and Athleticism: Aspinall is young, highly athletic, and exceptionally fast.
Explosive Power: He possesses considerable striking power.
Unique Movement: Aspinall is “light on his toes” and can “blitz across the void” rapidly, leaving opponents little time to react.
Limited Data: There’s relatively little information on how Aspinall performs when pushed deep into adversity, adding an element of unpredictability.
Johnson sees Aspinall as a “huge risk” for Jones’ carefully crafted legacy. While defeating Jones, widely considered the GOAT by many, would undoubtedly make Aspinall a colossal star (“slayed the GOAT,” “biggest f*cking star ever”), Jones might have viewed Aspinall as potentially “here today, gone tomorrow,” making the immense risk outweigh the perceived reward for his already established legacy.
Johnson emphasized that if Jones simply admitted the risk was too high – “Dude I wasn’t gonna fight him, he’s young, he’s athletic, he’s dangerous, I don’t wanna risk my legacy” – that would be a sufficient explanation for DJ. But without a clear statement from Jones, the decision feels unresolved.
Legacy, Controversy, and the GOAT Debate
Jones’ status as one of the greatest fighters ever is undeniable, backed by a resume featuring victories over generations of top talent. However, his career is also marked by frequent controversies, including multiple failed drug tests, out-of-cage incidents, and stripped titles, creating what Johnson calls a “cloud over his head.”
Johnson also brought up Jones’ lone professional loss – a controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill. While many fans dismiss this as a “true loss,” Johnson believes it is a “legit loss” that should factor into any GOAT discussion. He suggested that casual fans might not be fully aware of the complexities of Jones’ career, including the stripped belts and the Hamill fight.
Jones’ Ambiguous Stance & Division Frustration
Adding to the confusion, Jones himself has recently sent mixed signals about his status. Despite reports of him confirming retirement in private conversations, Jones took to social media, stating he doesn’t “know if I wanna call it retired” and that he feels he can “always have an ability to pop out and show em.” He indicated he’s enjoying life and growing outside of fighting.
This ambiguity has fueled significant frustration, particularly for Tom Aspinall, who won the interim title nearly a year ago (July 2024) and has been stuck waiting, eager for the undisputed title fight. Aspinall has publicly expressed the mental strain caused by the uncertainty. For many fans, Jones’ continued delay and mixed messages felt like he was “holding the belt hostage” or “ducking” Aspinall, viewing potential alternative fights as mere “interim-title filler.”
Demetrious Johnson’s own views on retirement, shaped by his decision to step away permanently despite potential lucrative offers, emphasize achieving goals, weighing health risks against rewards, and having a fulfilling life beyond competition. From that perspective, perhaps Jones’ decision, despite his vast achievements, appears puzzling if the final, clear challenge was left unanswered.
Even Jones’ fiercest rival, Daniel Cormier, offered rare praise following the retirement news, acknowledging Jones’ unparalleled skills while the questions about his final decision linger for others like Demetrious Johnson.
Ultimately, Jon Jones has retired with the “why” behind skipping the Tom Aspinall fight remaining largely unspoken, leaving Demetrious Johnson and many others wishing for a clearer explanation.
