JON JONES channelled his inner Kendrick Lamar as he seemingly confirmed his next career move, which has left Tom Aspinall in limbo.
The eagerly anticipated heavyweight title unification fight between the pair has yet to be finalised, despite the UFC brass meeting Jones’ demands to be paid “.
has left UFC fans on tenterhooks with conflicting statements on his future, most recently claiming he was “DONE”;; after saying his “best is yet to come”;;.
But in an impromptu X posting spree, he seemingly provided some clarity on his days as a fighter.
When asked how it felt to be retired, he wrote on X: “I don’t know if I wanna call it retired.
“I feel like I’ll always have an ability to pop out and show ’em.
“I’ve had many breaks throughout my career, my identity outside of fighting is well intact.
“I’m genuinely enjoying life, I’m growing in different ways.”;;
Jones’ willingness to “pop out and show ’em”;; – a lyric from ‘s ‘Not Like Us’ diss track at – will no doubt be frustrating for Aspinall to hear.
The Wigan warrior has been on the sidelines since his 60-second title defence against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester last July.
And to make matters worse, the 32-year-old last month became the LONGEST-REIGNING interim champion in UFC history.
Fan favourite has vocalised his frustrations at being sat on the sidelines waiting to hear an update from the UFC brass.
But former pound-for-pound king Jones insists he’s already informed and Co. of his intentions.
The 37-year-old: “Y’all barkin’ up the wrong tree. I told the UFC my plans a long time ago.
“I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet.”;;
Jones’ adamance that the UFC know his plans came just DAYS after UFC CEO and President White GUARANTEED he’d return to the octagon this year.
He told Adam Glyn: “Jon Jones will be fighting in 2025. 100 per cent.”;;
Jones hasn’t set foot inside the cage since his stunning spinning back-kick stoppage of at UFC 309 last November.
MMA fans have accused the former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion of “ducking”;; Aspinall since his MSG mauling of Miocic, a notion he’s vehemently denied.
In a recent Instagram Live, he said: “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck.
“Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life.
“I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”;;
