Jones Retires After UFC 309, Leaves Door Open to Return
The retirement questions surrounding Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic were answered in the months after this preview. Jones defended the heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage of Miocic at Madison Square Garden; Miocic then retired, and Jones announced his own retirement in June 2025 before vacating the belt. As of October 2026, Jones says he is more than likely done, while leaving a small opening for a return.
Jones settled the matchup with a third-round finish
Jones stopped Miocic at 4:29 of round three on November 16, 2024, using a spinning back kick followed by punches. The official event report confirmed the title defense. Jones had entered the bout amid questions about his inactivity and whether he would keep competing; his victory gave the matchup a definitive answer inside the cage, even as his future remained uncertain.
Miocic retired after the loss
Miocic did not return to competition after the defeat. In December 2024, the promotion published a farewell to the former heavyweight champion as he settled into retirement. Before the fight, Miocic had said he would decide what came next afterward; the result became the final bout of his career.
Jones retired and vacated the championship
Jones’ own retirement came later. On June 21, 2025, Dana White announced that Jones had called to retire, and interim champion Tom Aspinall was elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion. The promotion’s announcement closed the title picture that had remained unresolved since Jones’ win over Miocic.
A return remains unlikely, but not ruled out
Jones has since given mixed signals about whether retirement is permanent. In an October 2026 update, he said he was “more than likely” finished but noted that he remained in the drug-testing pool and was leaving the door open. That latest report does not point to a booked fight; it reflects continued uncertainty after his final appearance, Miocic’s retirement, and the division’s title change.
