Jon Jones declared that he has hung up his gloves and is no longer an active fighter. Jones stated that "fighter Jon Jones is no more" and that he is now transitioning to "businessman Jon Jones." This announcement comes amid various other UFC news, including Johnny Walker presenting a surprise to Jiri Prochazka related to the upcoming birth of his daughter. Paulo Costa also made controversial comments about Russian fighters ahead of his upcoming bout. Details remain limited regarding Jones's specific business plans or whether this retirement is definitive.
Jon Jones, one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history, declared on April 11, 2026 that his career inside the cage is over, announcing that "fighter Jon Jones is no more" and signaling a shift to life as a businessman.
Jones, 38, carries a professional record of 28-1-0 and built his legacy largely in the light heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-four with an extraordinary 84-inch reach — 213 cm — he posted a striking accuracy of 58 percent along with a takedown rate of 1.89 per 15 minutes, numbers that reflected his ability to impose his will across every phase of a fight. No specific details about his business ventures have been made public alongside the announcement, and it remains unclear whether this retirement is permanent.
The news emerged alongside a separate, lighter moment in the sport, as light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker reportedly presented Jiri Prochazka with a surprise connected to the upcoming birth of Prochazka's daughter. The Czech fighter, ranked second at 205 pounds, is 33 years old and holds a record of 32-6-1. At 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.
Also generating attention around the same period was Paulo Costa, the Brazilian middleweight ranked 13th at 35 years old. Costa, who fights out of Team Borracha and carries a 16-4-0 record, made controversial remarks about Russian fighters ahead of an upcoming bout. He averages 6.26 significant strikes per minute — the highest among the fighters mentioned — with a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Why it matters
- Jones's exit, if confirmed, creates a significant void at the top of the heavyweight landscape where he most recently competed
- The light heavyweight division, with Prochazka ranked second, faces continued reshuffling following Jones's departure
- Costa's pre-fight comments add an extra layer of tension to his upcoming middleweight matchup
