Several notable developments from recent MMA news are highlighted in this update. Jon Jones announced his retirement from fighting, stating he has hung up his gloves and is now solely a businessman. Paulo Costa is reportedly having extreme difficulty making 93 kg, according to video posted by someone from his team, particularly notable since he previously competed at 84 kg. Costa also shifted his rhetoric, expressing hatred for Russian fighters and promising to add another to his record after dealing with "this fat guy," with Khamzat Chimaev planned as his third Russian opponent. Johnny Walker gave Jiri Prochazka a surprise gift related to his daughter's upcoming birth. Merab Dvalishvili plans to fight twice more this year despite a broken nose.
Jon Jones has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, declaring he has hung up his gloves and is transitioning to life as a businessman. The news comes alongside a string of other notable MMA developments, including a significant weight-cut story involving Paulo Costa.
Jones, 38, finishes his career with a record of 28-1-0, widely regarded as one of the most decorated fighters the sport has ever seen. Standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach, "Bones" averaged 4.38 significant strikes landed per minute across his career at 58 percent accuracy, while also adding consistent wrestling pressure at 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Costa is generating attention for a very different reason. Video posted by a member of his team suggests the Brazilian is struggling severely to make 93 kilograms — a striking development given that his previous competitive weight class was 84 kilograms. The ranked middleweight, currently sitting 13th in the division at 35 years old, carries a 16-4-0 record and is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, averaging 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. Costa has also been vocal in shifting his focus toward Russian opponents, expressing hostility toward fighters from that country and identifying Khamzat Chimaev as a planned third such matchup after first dealing with his current, unnamed opponent, whom he referred to dismissively as "this fat guy."
Elsewhere, light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka received a surprise gift from fellow 205-pounder Johnny Walker ahead of the birth of his daughter. Prochazka, ranked second in the light heavyweight division, carries a 32-6-1 record and is known for his aggressive output of 5.69 significant strikes per minute. The Czech fighter competes out of Jetsaam Gym Brno.
Why it matters
- Jones retiring removes one of heavyweight's most dominant presences from the active roster entirely
- Costa's reported difficulty reaching 93 kg raises serious questions about his division and long-term fight plans
- Merab Dvalishvili, despite suffering a broken nose, has stated his intention to compete twice more before the end of 2026
