Mon Sep 16 16:10:26 UTC 2024: ## Jon Jones Announces Retirement After UFC 309 Heavyweight Title Defense

**New York, NY** – Jon Jones, reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, has confirmed that his upcoming title defense against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 will be his last fight. The event is scheduled for November 16th at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Jones, known as “Bones,” has been hinting at retirement for some time, only having fought once since February 2020. He previously hinted at a possible retirement after securing the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023 against Ciryl Gane. However, the confirmation of his upcoming fight against Miocic appears to have solidified his decision.

Speaking backstage at UFC 306, Jones stated, “This is going to be the last time. More than likely.” This announcement comes as a surprise to many fans, as UFC CEO Dana White had previously expressed his belief that Jones would continue competing after UFC 309, giving interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall a chance to unify the belts.

With Jones’ confirmed retirement, Aspinall will likely have to wait for another opportunity to challenge for the heavyweight title.

UFC 309 will be a momentous occasion, marking not only the final fight for Jones but also potentially the end of Miocic’s career. While White has indicated Miocic will retire regardless of the outcome, Jones’ retirement adds a significant emotional weight to the highly anticipated matchup.

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