Jon Jones has declared his retirement from fighting, stating 'I hung up my gloves, fighter Jon Jones is no more. Now only businessman Jon Jones.' The announcement came as part of a media roundup that also included Paulo Costa's comments expressing hatred for Russian fighters and planning to add them to his record. Costa also struggled to make 93 kg according to team footage, despite previously competing at 84 kg. Additionally, Johnny Walker gave Jiri Prochazka a surprise gift related to the birth of Prochazka's daughter. Josh Haquit was reported to have dropped his comedic persona after filming, apologizing to those present.
Jon Jones declared his retirement from mixed martial arts on April 11, 2026, posting that he had "hung up his gloves" and that "fighter Jon Jones is no more," pivoting instead to a new identity as a businessman.
Jones, 38, finishes his career with a record of 28-1-0 and stands as one of the most decorated fighters in the sport's history. The six-foot-four orthodox striker, carrying an 84-inch reach, averaged 4.38 significant strikes per minute across his career at a 58 percent accuracy rate, while also threatening consistently on the mat with 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes.
The same media roundup featured Paulo Costa making pointed comments about Russian fighters, stating his intention to add them to his record. The Brazilian middleweight, ranked 13th in his division at 35 years old, is known for one of the most aggressive output rates in the sport at 6.26 significant strikes per minute with 58 percent accuracy. Team footage also showed Costa struggling to reach 93 kg, a notable development given he has previously competed at 84 kg.
Elsewhere in the roundup, Czech Republic light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka received a surprise gift from fellow 205-pounder Johnny Walker in connection with the birth of Prochazka's daughter. Prochazka, 33, holds a 32-6-1 record and is currently ranked second in the light heavyweight division. The six-foot-three orthodox fighter posts 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, complemented by a 80-inch reach that makes him a uniquely dangerous presence at range.
Josh Haquit was also reported to have dropped his comedic persona after filming, offering an apology to those present.
Why it matters
- Jones retiring at 38 leaves the heavyweight division without its dominant champion figure
- Costa's weight footage raises questions about his division moving forward, given the jump from his prior 84 kg competition weight
- Prochazka's personal milestone comes as the second-ranked light heavyweight remains a major force in a wide-open division
