A boxing champion and former training partner doesn’t believe talk of Jon Jones hanging up the gloves.
After a return to Abu Dhabi later this month, the mixed martial arts leader will head back to New York City for another exciting-looking pay-per-view event from Madison Square Garden.
The main event of UFC 295 on November 11 is set to see the legendary Jon Jones make his way back to the Octagon for the first defense of his newly won heavyweight title.
“Bones” added the belt to his collection following two previous reigns in the division below by dominating ex-interim champion Ciryl Gane in his divisional debut this past March at UFC 285.
To further add to his illustrious résumé in the sport, Jon Jones is next tasked with successfully retaining the gold against all-time heavyweight great Stipe Miocic. Win or lose, it appears that retirement could be on the cards, with the Rochester native teasing as much on social media.
One woman whose start in mixed martial arts came with the aid of Jones, however, can’t see that happening.
Claressa Shields: Jon Jones ‘Needs’ Fighting Career
Having built a legacy in boxing, where she has held world championships in three weight classes, Claressa Shields ventured to MMA in 2021. Under the PFL banner, she went 1-1 — a record she’ll hope to improve on in the SmartCage after signing a new deal with the promotion earlier this year.
Ahead of her first dip into the MMA waters, Shields developed her skillset at Jackson Wink MMA Academy. There, she received guidance from a prominent and successful martial artist in Jones.
Having become familiar with the UFC star’s fighting mindset, Shields recently told The Schmo that she can’t see Jones calling time on his career until he physically can’t compete at the highest level any longer.
“I don’t think Jonny ‘Bones’ can retire. He’s too much of an animal,” Shields said. “Like, what is he gonna do without fighting? And without training? It’s like he needs it. So, I believe that he will win and he’s gonna keep fighting until it looks like he can’t fight anymore. So, team Jonny ‘Bones’ all day.”
Ahead of her return to the cage next year, Shields will be looking to enhance her MMA skillset without the help of Jones, who received a ban from the Albuquerque gym following a domestic violence arrest in 2021.
Nevertheless, the boxing champ will be rooting for her former training partner come UFC 295 on November 11, when she expects to see Jones emerge victorious before continuing his reign on the heavyweight throne.