MMA enthusiasts widely believe the UFC has signaled Jon Jones` departure from professional fighting.
The former top-ranked fighter and current heavyweight champion has kept fans guessing recently due to his inconsistent remarks about his career plans.
Jones, aged 37, has left interim champion Tom Aspinall uncertain due to his fluctuating stance on retirement.
British fighter Aspinall recently stated the MMA icon is “RETIRED” during an interview on Good Guy/Bad Guy with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen.
Adding to the speculation, the UFC unusually shared the ESPN interview on their official YouTube channel, which has 21 million subscribers. The video`s thumbnail featured Aspinall`s picture with the text “he`s retired”.
While it`s understandable that they would share an ESPN interview (as ESPN holds the promotion`s North American broadcast rights), posting this particular segment fueled considerable discussion among fans.
Many fans interpreted this post as the promotion acknowledging that Jones` competitive career might be finished.
One commenter on the video wrote: “The fact that the UFC is posting this is encouraging.”
Another user commented: “You know Jones is ducking when the UFC allows this on their socials.”
Yet another stated: “The fact that the UFC uploaded this interview to their channel with this title says A LOT.”
Another comment was: “There is definite movement of this situation coming.”
Someone else asked: “Is this Jon`s retirement announcement?”
Yet another speculated: “To put this interview on the official channel is huge, UFC is getting tired of Jones.”
However, the UFC sharing this interview doesn`t definitively mean the promotion is confirming Jones` retirement.
It could potentially be a tactic to pressure the Hall-of-Famer into accepting a fight for which he reportedly demanded “F**K YOU MONEY”.
A potential unification bout between champion Jones and interim champion Aspinall has been discussed since last November.
Jones` initial defense of his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden was expected to lead to a major clash with Aspinall.
Unfortunately, this fight hasn`t materialized, leaving Aspinall, who hasn`t competed since last July, waiting.
Percy Harlow