Jon Jones Reveals Arthritis Diagnosis, Leaves Door Open for UFC Comeback

Jon Jones Reveals Arthritis Diagnosis, Leaves Door Open for UFC Comeback

What happened?

UFC legend Jon Jones has been diagnosed with an incurable medical condition, arthritis, just over a year after retiring from MMA. The 38-year-old revealed the news during a recent interview with Ring Magazine.

Why it matters for Jon Jones

Jones' retirement from MMA was met with frustration from fans, particularly current undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who waited for almost two years to fight 'Bones' before the bout never materialised. Jones' decision to retire was seen as a surprise, given his relatively inactive period in the final years of his career.

What comes next?

Jones has left the door open for a potential return to combat sports, stating that he's still in the UFC's drug testing pool and gets drug tested and blood tested all the time. He also revealed that he would qualify for a hip replacement as a result of his arthritis diagnosis. Jones has been focusing on coaching Gable Steveson, a heavyweight prospect, and has been giving his absolute best to teach him everything he knows about the sport.

Jones explained that he's living vicariously through Steveson, saying, "I'm giving him my absolute best, teaching him everything I know about the sport. A lot of fans are like, 'Jon, when are you going to come back?' And those same fans are also saying, 'Welcome back, coach Jones.' I'm getting my itch. I feel like I'm giving the fans their itch, but I'm just doing it with a fighter from a younger generation."

Arthritis diagnosis

Jones revealed that he's been diagnosed with arthritis, a condition causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints, which can impact a person's mobility. He explained that he's been talking to Joe Rogan about stem cell injections, saying, "So, I'm going to take his advice. I am going to get some stem cells and just see how I feel. I'm just taking it one day at a time, really."

No interest in boxing

When asked if he'd be up for fighting Oleksandr Usyk in boxing, Jones declared he was "not interested... not at all.