Joe Rogan reckons that Jon Jones’ decision to retire earlier this summer was the right one, even though it didn’t last too long.
Dana White infamously announced Jones’ retirement at a press conference in Baku last month, after which the legendary two-weight champion confirmed he was done. The move allowed Tom Aspinall to become undisputed heavyweight champion without ever actually defeating Jones.
However, within a matter of weeks Jones confirmed that he was reentering the testing pool after learning of an event taking place next summer. The UFC will bring the octagon to the White House lawn for America’s 250th Birthday celebration organized by President Donald Trump.
Joe Rogan believes Jon Jones was right to retire from UFC
When Jon Jones retired last month, it left fans in some degree of disbelief. He had just brutally knocked out Stipe Miocic and seemed to be heading towards one last fight against Aspinall which was being billed as the biggest in heavyweight history.
However, in the latest episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, veteran voice of the octagon Joe Rogan noted that age could be one of a number of factors that make retirement the correct call. “I think Jon just decided to retire legitimately,” Rogan explained.
“I think he was partying a lot, he had a long career and at a certain point in time you have to say ‘enough’. At 37, heavyweight champion of the world, retiring undefeated is probably a good move. He’s got one loss but that’s a bulls— loss.”
Jon Jones planning comeback just days after emotional retirement
Despite his emotional retirement message, it took Jones a matter of weeks before he was back in the testing pool and preparing for a comeback. He even seems open to the potential of fighting Aspinall, so long as he can do it on the White House lawn next summer.
It is expected that Aspinall will defend his newly-minted title for the first time later this year against number one contender Ciryl Gane. He has also noted that he will be an active champion, and could sneak in another defense should he win that one between then and next July.
There has been a narrative within the sport that Jones ‘ducked’ a fight with Aspinall, which he and White have both denied. And he may end up having to fight the Brit to get his wish of competing on the White House lawn.