Jon Jones has announced his retirement from fighting, stating he has "hung up his gloves" and will now focus solely on business ventures as "businessman Jon Jones." Meanwhile, Paulo Costa made controversial comments ahead of his fight, expressing animosity toward Russian fighters and claiming Azamat Murzakanov will be his second consecutive Russian opponent on his record, with Khamzat Chimaev potentially being the third. Costa's team reportedly released footage showing him struggling to make 93 kg, despite previously competing at 84 kg. In other news, Johnny Walker surprised Jiri Prochazka with a gift related to his daughter's upcoming birth, Merab Dvalishvili plans to fight twice more this year despite a broken nose, and Sean Strickland reportedly broke character after a promotional event and apologized to those present. Both Kai Asakura and Jiri Prochazka made strong impressions at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
