Jon Jones hints at UFC return after Gable Steveson camp work
Jon Jones has not closed the door on fighting again.
The former UFC heavyweight champion, who has been away from competition since knocking out Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024, told fans on social media that he is in sharp form while preparing Gable Steveson for his octagon debut against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas. "Never say never," Jones wrote when asked about a possible comeback, per MMA Fighting. "Right now we are finishing up Gable's training camp. He's looking extraordinary. I've been his main training partner, and I'm moving like I never left. Stem cells must be working."
Jones credits stem cell therapy for arthritis recovery
Jones, who turns 39 next month, disclosed earlier this year that he had severe arthritis in his hips and already qualified for a replacement. He said the pain during the Miocic camp was so bad he "went to bed in so much pain." The stem cell treatments he referenced have apparently improved his condition enough to keep pace with Steveson, a decorated wrestler making his MMA debut.
Jones holds a career record of 28-1 with one no-contest and is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight of all time. He lobbied for a heavyweight clash with Alex Pereira at the UFC White House event earlier this month, but Pereira instead fought Ciryl Gane and lost.
Steveson and Ellison weigh in on July 10.
Original reporting:
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