Jon Jones has declared the end of his fighting career, stating that "fighter Jon Jones is no more" and that he is now "only businessman Jon Jones." The announcement came alongside other news from the UFC scene. Johnny Walker prepared a surprise gift for Jiri Prochazka related to the upcoming birth of his daughter. Paulo Costa made controversial comments about Russian fighters, and weigh-in ceremonies took place with notable energy from both Karl Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka. Merab Dvalishvili announced plans to fight twice more this year despite a broken nose.
Jon Jones declared on April 11, 2026 that his fighting career is over, announcing that "fighter Jon Jones is no more" and that he now considers himself "only businessman Jon Jones."
Jones, nicknamed "Bones," finishes his career with a record of 28-1-0 and a reputation as one of the most decorated competitors the sport has seen. The 38-year-old American stood six-foot-four and carried an extraordinary 84-inch reach — 213 centimeters — giving him physical tools that few opponents could match. Across his career he averaged 4.38 significant strikes landed per minute at a 58 percent striking accuracy rate, while also threatening consistently on the mat with 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Elsewhere in the news, light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka received a surprise gift from fellow division fighter Johnny Walker connected to the upcoming birth of Prochazka's daughter. The Czech Republic native holds a record of 32-6-1 and is ranked second at light heavyweight at 33 years old. Standing six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, Prochazka is one of the division's most dynamic strikers, averaging 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He and Karl Ulberg also brought notable energy to their respective weigh-in appearances ahead of their upcoming contest.
Paulo Costa, the Brazilian middleweight ranked 13th and carrying a 16-4-0 record, drew attention for controversial comments directed at Russian fighters. The 35-year-old, who lands a division-leading 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, has rarely avoided the spotlight outside the cage.
Bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili also made news, stating his intention to compete twice more before the year is out — a notable commitment given that he is currently dealing with a broken nose.
Why it matters
- Jones retiring at 28-1-0 leaves the heavyweight division without its most dominant recent presence
- Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight, remains in the thick of title contention as personal milestones coincide with a high-profile fight week
- Costa's comments add friction to an already competitive middleweight landscape ranked around him
