The mystery behind the pension of the former UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones may have been resolved by an MMA pioneer.
Jon Jones shocked the MMA world last weekend when he announced the end of his legendary fighting career. Instead of agreeing with a heavyweight title Unification Bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall, Jones chose to hang the gloves and bring his controversial heavyweight title to an abrupt end.
While the heavyweight division of the UFC is improving, Jones will probably continue to shed a shadow over the selection for months. His pension announcement has concluded seven months of speculation and contract discussions with the UFC breaking for a confrontation with Aspinall.
Jones previously hinted to a sense of satisfaction as the big reason behind his pension announcement. But a UFC analyst believes that the story is much more.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Kenny Florian: Jon Jones's lack of 'discipline' has fueled UFC pension
During a recent episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast, Kenny Florian presented a unique theory about why Jones decided to hang the gloves.
“I think Jon Jones always struggles a bit with the discipline aspect of the sport, and how he approaches it,” said Florian about Jones. “Talent? It is undisputed, he is blessed with an amazing amount of talent, and that often has him through a number of very difficult times through Kampen, I know for sure, and through fighting itself. We have seen that.
“But because you are blessed with so much talent, discipline and the introduction of that hard work can be a difficult aspect … It is paradoxical in many ways, and I think that for Jon Jones, that time is away from the sport, I wonder if he questioned that hunger and willingness to train.
“He said he didn't train for a long time! That was the board when I scratched my head and asked:” Is this fight going? “” Florian continued. “And he probably felt that he will not train quickly, and if I fight against someone like Tom Aspinall, you need that hunger and that time in the gym.”
It was not long before Jones had knowledge of Florian's comments, and seemed to show that the former UFC -striking with his theory was the same on the money.
“What an interesting observation,” Jones answered in a recent Instagram remark.
Jones' comment ran out of a relevant social media tirade on his X account, in which the UFC legend seemed to walk on his recent legal issues. A fan went so far that he accused Jones of 'Twaken' during his bizarre online rants.
Before he announced his retirement last weekend, Jones had not fought anymore since he completed Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. After winning the then vacant heavyweight belt on UFC 285, the heavyweight rule of Jones was marred by injuries and other things that contributed to fighting return retractments.
Tom Aspinall's UFC Return Turn -opponent who may have been set after 'confident' negotiations
While Jones walks into the sunset, Aspinall will try to bring stability and a high-actival level to the UFC Heavyweight Division. Van Aspinall is expected to return to a opponent to be received later this year, and one of the best contenders believes that he is the most likely option for newly crowned undisputed Champ's first title defense.
Former interim heavyweight title holder Ciryl Gane recently hinted in ongoing conversations with the UFC Brass to fight against Aspinall later this year. Gane defeated Alexander Volkov in a controversial result at UFC 311 in January.
The latest UFC rangers showed that Jones was completely removed from the selection and the climb of Aspinall to undisputed champion status. After a wild saga that lasted almost two full years, Aspinall gets his chance to prove itself as the undisputed heavyweight king.