Jon Jones’ Coach On Retirement Rumors: MMA Doesn’t Treat Aging Fighters Kindly

Jon Jones' coach feels that the UFC heavyweight champion should walk out on top after a win over Stipe Miocic

There has been a lot of talk over whether UFC 309 will be the last time that Jon Jones competes inside the Octagon.

The heavyweight champion recently said himself that this is looking “more than likely” now that his title defence is official for November 16 in New York.

Many expected that his initially planned fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 last year would be his last dance but this was pushed back by a year by Jones’ injury.

Now, as they enter what may be his final training camp, Jones’ long-time coach Brandon Gibson gave his thoughts on whether this is the curtain call for “Bones”.

Brandon Gibson Says He Believes That UFC 309 Will Be Jon Jones’ Last Fight

In a recent interview with From The Stands, Gibson was asked whether he believes, as a close friend of Jones’ for many years, that this truly is it.

There has been a lot of criticism from the fans regarding the fight with Stipe Miocic with Jones regularly responding to the idea that he should be fighting interim champion Tom Aspinall instead, or at least sticking around to fight him after UFC 309.

Gibson said that in his opinion, he thinks the champion will walk away but that isn’t a reflection on where his current skill level is at.

The coach believes that Jones could continue to stay at the top of the sport for years to come but in the interest of leaving on his own terms, we could see the consensus greatest of all time leave his gloves inside the Octagon inside Madison Square Garden.

“I do [think it’s his last fight]. This is a dangerous game. It’s a dangerous game and it’s not one that treats an aging fighter kindly. I always encourage all my fighters to be out before, to be able to pick their exit and Jon, more than any other fighter I believe, has earned and deserves to be able to pick and choose when he leaves. I think he has plenty more in the tank, I see his skill set every week against high-level opponents, I think right now he’s better than he’s ever been, oh my goodness. He’s really developed into an amazing heavyweight… I think he can continue to fight the very best for a long time to come but he’s also deserved to exit if he chooses to do so.”

Read also: ‘Selfish’ UFC Told To Financially Compensate Michael Chandler For Conor McGregor Wait

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