Jon Jones confirms retirement: 'My gloves are hung up'

The former UFC champion says he's done competing and is now focused on business ventures.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:18pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes, conceptually representing the raw power and energy of a mixed martial arts fighter.The explosive energy and intensity of Jon Jones' legendary fighting career is captured in this abstract expressionist painting.Albuquerque Today

Jon Jones, a former two-division UFC champion and all-time great light heavyweight, has confirmed that he is retiring from fighting. Jones, who is 38 years old, has competed sporadically since 2019 and briefly retired in 2025 before briefly returning. However, he now says his fighting days are over and he is focused on his business ventures.

Why it matters

Jones is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, with a dominant run as UFC light heavyweight champion. His retirement marks the end of an era and the departure of a true legend from the sport.

The details

Jones told Red Corner MMA in a YouTube vlog that his 'gloves are hung up' and he is 'chilling these days' as a businessman, not a fighter. When fellow UFC veteran Yoel Romero suggested Jones book a bare-knuckle fight, Jones shot down the idea, saying 'I don't want to get punched' and that he can't do it.

  • Jones briefly retired in 2025 before returning.
  • Jones last competed in 2019, logging just three fights since then.

The players

Jon Jones

A former two-division UFC champion and all-time great light heavyweight fighter who has now confirmed his retirement from the sport.

Dana White

The CEO of the UFC, who previously shot down Jones' hopes of competing at the UFC White House event, citing his past unreliability.

Alex Pereira

The UFC heavyweight champion that Jones had hoped to fight for the title.

Yoel Romero

A fellow UFC veteran who suggested Jones book a bare-knuckle fight if he's no longer interested in MMA.

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What they’re saying

“My gloves are hung up. I'm chilling these days. You've got business Jon Jones, no more fighter Jon Jones. The businessman, you know what I'm saying?”

— Jon Jones, Former UFC Champion

“More brutal is the knee in the face and the elbow in the face. A hundred percent. This, no. This [points to his elbow] is danger.”

— Yoel Romero, UFC Veteran

“I can't do it, still.”

— Jon Jones, Former UFC Champion

The takeaway

Jon Jones' retirement marks the end of an era for one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. His dominant run as UFC light heavyweight champion cemented his legacy, and his decision to step away from competition will leave a significant void in the sport.