Dana White has let fans in on the details of his late-night phone call with Jon Jones where the UFC icon confirmed his retirement.
Legendary two-weight world champion Jones is just weeks out from his 38th birthday, and has opted to hang up his gloves instead of unifying the heavyweight division with Tom Aspinall. Now, the Brit has been elevated to undisputed champion and will defend later this year.
Jones has been competing in the UFC since 2008, and won his first light-heavyweight title in March of 2011. His career was marred by controversy in and out of the cage including arrests and failed drugs tests, but he is still widely considered the greatest of all time.
Dana White details Jon Jones’ retirement phone call
Speaking with Bloody Elbow at Fanatics Fest in New York this afternoon, Dana White explained how Jon Jones called him while he was in Azerbaijan for UFC Baku and confirmed his plan to retire. He remained coy about whether or not it was emotional, noting that Jones is also currently dealing with outside issues.
“He called us and just started saying ‘you know what, I think I’m done, I want to retire, it’s been a great run and I appreciate everything,'” White said of the call. “That was it and he was absolutely positively sure that he wanted to retire.
“We said ‘why don’t you sleep on it and when you wake up in the morning if that’s how you still feel then…'” Asked if he felt the call was emotional, White didn’t give a firm answer but added: “Yeah, I think you never know what Jon Jones is dealing with.
“Then you wake up the next day and [he’s facing legal issues] so who knows? We don’t know everything that went into this decision.
“It’s something you’re going to have to ask him if you ever see him again but I don’t know the answer to these questions. All I know is that he made it very clear that he wanted to retire and I don’t disagree with him.”
Jon Jones released lengthy statement regarding retirement
Following White’s announcement yesterday, it didn’t take long for Jones to release a lengthy message to fans on social media. He thanked the promotion and even his previous bosses in an emotional X post, after which he said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the messages he was receiving.
“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC,” Jones wrote. “This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.
“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport.
“Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever.
“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.
“I want to thank the UFC, Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell], Lorenzo [Fertitta], God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter. Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation.
“To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage. As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead.
“MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
Moments later, he thanked fans for their responses by adding: “I’m completely overwhelmed right now, I love you guys so much. Thank yo