In the past 2 years, Jon Jones has just played exactly 1 match to protect the UFC championship. After winning Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023, Jones was planned to protect the belt in the same year. However, he had a serious injury and had to go back to the match with Stipe Miocic for 1 year compared to the plan.
Previously, there was information that Jones wanted to retire after the victory of Stipe Miocic. However, Jones personally could not openly say that because he had a contract with UFC. Jones personally wanted to retire, but UFC tried to persuade him to continue playing, thereby leading to the current situation.
Recently, Jones continued to assert that he would not continue to play anymore. For this reason, Jones's championship is likely to be empty. UFC can give this belt to Tom Aspinall, the fighter is holding a temporary belt. In addition, UFC is likely to hold another belt match.
Jon Jones is considered the best boxer in UFC history as well as modern MMA. The only defeat in his career was this fighter match. When Jones made the opponent's knockout blow, he used an elbow in a beating position, which was a serious rule.
Besides Jon Jones's statement, UFC President Dana White also confirmed the match between Jones and Aspinall is likely not to happen. UFC tried to negotiate and Aspinall wanted to play, but Jones was not ready. If UFC cannot convince Jones, they will have to find another option.