Jon Jones Dismisses Usyk Match, Hints at UFC Comeback Conditions

WHO:

MMA Fighting - Jon Jones, Oleksandr Usyk, Gable Steveson

boxingnewsonline.net - Oleksandr Usyk, Deontay Wilder, Rico Verhoeven

WHAT:

MMA Fighting - Jon Jones stated, “I think for a lot of fans as well, they’re like, ‘Jon, when are you going to come back?’ And those same fans, they’re like, ‘Hey, welcome back, Coach Jones.’”

boxingnewsonline.net - Oleksandr Usyk's last fight was against Rico Verhoeven, who had a record of 1-0 at the time, and the fight ended controversially in round 11.

MMA Fighting - Jon Jones dismissed the idea of boxing Oleksandr Usyk, stating, “No, not at all.”

boxingnewsonline.net - Usyk announced he is vacating all three of his heavyweight belts to pursue a “last dance” fight before retirement.

boxingnewsonline.net - Jon Jones stated he would only consider facing Usyk under MMA rules, saying, “to handicap myself by only using my hands – that is just not the world that I come from.”

MMA Fighting - UFC 329 drew nearly 16 million viewers for the return of Conor McGregor.

WHERE:

MMA Fighting - The UFC 329 event took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

WHEN:

MMA Fighting - Jon Jones briefly retired from MMA in 2025 but ended his retirement soon after.

boxingnewsonline.net - News on Usyk’s farewell fight is expected in the coming months.

WHY:

MMA Fighting - Jon Jones expressed that he is currently focused on coaching Gable Steveson and feels fulfilled in that role, stating, “It’s fulfilling. Not as fulfilling as being in the ring or in the octagon, but it is scratching that itch.”

MMA Fighting - Jon Jones expressed that he is currently focused on coaching Gable Steveson and feels fulfilled in that role, stating, “I’m living vicariously through my buddy Gable Steveson right now.”

HOW:

MMA Fighting - Jon Jones mentioned he is still in the UFC’s testing pool and gets drug tested and blood tested regularly.

Jon Jones recently shared his thoughts on returning to the ring, noting that many fans are eager to see him back, while also welcoming his new role as a coach for Gable Steveson. He expressed that coaching is fulfilling for him, though he admits it doesn't quite match the thrill of competing himself. In other boxing news, Oleksandr Usyk's last fight against Rico Verhoeven ended controversially in round 11, with Verhoeven holding a record of 1-0 at the time.