Jon Jones says he's 'still on the roster' amid UFC limbo

Jon Jones says he is still under UFC contract and able to compete at the highest level, despite retiring last June and spending months demanding his release from the promotion.

Jones made the claim in an Instagram Stories post responding to former opponent Ciryl Gane, who called the former heavyweight champion the best fighter in UFC history. "Still on the roster, still capable of making the biggest fights on the globe," Jones wrote, per Sherdog. "I appreciate you for keeping it real."

Jones' rocky year since retirement

The 28-1 fighter last competed in 2023, stopping Gane to claim the vacant heavyweight belt before defending it against Stipe Miocic. He then spent nearly a year sideving interim champ Tom Aspinall before walking away from the sport. Jones came back into the public eye earlier this year lobbying for a spot on the UFC White House card, only to be shut out. Dana White said there were no negotiations.

Jones lashed out afterward, requesting his release and praising a Most Valuable Promotions event over UFC programming. Whether the former light heavyweight and heavyweight king actually fights again remains unclear, but his latest comment suggests he has not formally exited his UFC deal.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jon Jones on current UFC status: 'Still on the roster'