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UFC heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones appears unbothered by criticism as he hints at retirement after the Stipe Miocic fight.
Many fans have criticized Jones for not taking the most legitimate challenge to his heavyweight reign yet in the shape of Tom Aspinall. Despite ceaseless complaints by fans and media alike, the 37-year-old is seemingly hellbent on making the clash with Miocic in November his farewell appearance in the octagon.
Recently, 'Bones' replied to a fan's comment on Instagram, where the fan alluded to the fighter's alleged domestic disputes. He didn't take kindly to the insult and highlighted the fact that, after his next fight, he will never have to work again.
"Fun fact after this year Jon Jones will never have to work again, retired at age 37," Jones replied to a fan on Instagram.
Numerous fans have claimed that the heavyweight champion is afraid of Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion. This belief stems from the fact that Aspinall is one of, if not the best, heavyweights in the history of MMA.
Despite resistance, the future Hall of Famer has even refused to acknowledge Aspinall's contention as the next opponent, while maintaining a singular focus on the 41-year-old Miocic. The two-division champion firmly believes beating Miocic would further decorate his already stellar record while giving little to no credence to the 31-year-old interim champion.
Spoiling the party further, now that Jones has teased retirement after fighting Miocic, fans may never get to witness Jones-Aspinall in the cage ever.
Chael Sonnen denies that Jon Jones is scared, implying that something deeper is at play
Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen came to rescue his former rival after fans accused Jon Jones of being scared of Tom Aspinall.
Sonnen refutes the claims that 'Bones' is scared of anyone or that he is ducking a potential threat. The 47-year-old expressed his belief that fans are knowingly pressing Jones to take on Aspinall, implying that no actual fan believes the two-division champion is afraid of any mortal.
Sonnen urged Jones to keep teasing retirement claims so that the fans remain opposed while the champion heightens the anticipation further. He said:
"What I want Jon to do is I want Jon to announce that he’s going to retire. That’s what I want Jon to do. Now that wouldn’t be any more real than what you guys said to him. You didn’t think he was afraid of Francis, you didn’t think he was fighting Sergei Pavlovich, you don’t believe he couldn’t go out and test skills with Pereira and you don’t believe that he’s going to duck Tom. So that’s where I would love if he just gave a test of your own medicine."
Check out Chael Sonnen's opinion on Jon Jones' retirement stance (3:55):
