Jon Jones Plots Shocking UFC Exit-“I Would Really Surprise a Lot of People”

After a surprising disclosure of his desire to cross over into boxing, Jon Jones revealed that he can realistically get out of his UFC contract.

Jon Jones Plots Shocking UFC Exit-“I Would Really Surprise a Lot of People”

Jon Jones wants to box after exiting his UFC contract [via MARCA]

Jon Jones has sent shockwaves through the MMA world after revealing he wants out of his UFC contract to pursue a career in boxing. The former two-division UFC champion has been at odds with Dana White for months over contractual issues, and despite previously suggesting he was retired, Jones now appears eager to explore opportunities outside the Octagon.

Under UFC contracts, fighters, whether they are active or retired, cannot compete in other combat sports without the promotion’s approval. Recently, Dustin Poirier admitted that the UFC’s restrictive deal structure prevented him from making a crossover into boxing, and Jones now seems to be facing the same obstacle.

In a surprising revelation about his fighting future, the consensus MMA GOAT told his publicist, Denise White, that he believes there is a realistic path to securing his release from the UFC and making the jump to professional boxing.

I think that getting out of my UFC contract is very, very possible but I need to find the right people and go through the right channels. Just put more effort into it, really. You know what? I’ve really wanted to box. If I were to put all my energy into just my hands, my combinations, my punching power, I think I would really surprise a lot of people.

Jon Jones via Denise White

Around DBX 5 in Houston, Jones stunned fans by announcing his retirement after revealing he had been diagnosed with arthritis in his hips. However, the situation quickly took another turn when Jones later began pushing for a mega bout against Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026.

His hopes were swiftly shut down by White, who not only dismissed Jones as a potential headliner for the event but also publicly denied that any negotiations with the former champion had taken place. The fallout appeared to deepen the growing rift between Jones and the UFC, prompting ‘Bones’ to openly express his frustration with the promotion and request his release from the company.

Surprisingly, Jones even received support from his longtime rival and current UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, and Francis Ngannou, who stated that the promotion needed to show greater respect to its legends amid the ongoing dispute.

While Jones’ contract battle has dominated headlines, his reported interest in transitioning to boxing has caught many fans off guard. Yet earlier this year, his longtime rival Daniel Cormier revealed that he and Jones once came close to settling their rivalry inside a boxing ring rather than the Octagon.

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Daniel Cormier reveals he and Jon Jones agreed to box each other

Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones have had one of the most storied rivalries in UFC history. They went at it twice, with Jones claiming the victory both times at UFC 182 and UFC 214. However, the second win was overturned to a no-contest when Jones tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. But it appears these heated rivals could have settled this feud in a boxing grudge match.

Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones
Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones [via ESPN]

The former UFC double champions reignited their competitive rivalry, this time as coaches, on ALF Reality, a Russian series similar to TUF. Cormier revealed on his YouTube channel that he and Jones would constantly butt heads during filming and that one of those arguments led to the Olympic wrestler agreeing to box Jon Jones.

A lot of time, we were kind of just arguing. There were multiple occasions where Jones and I argued about fighting each other in a boxing match, to which I agreed… Jones and I argued about fighting each other in a boxing match, to which I agreed to do, if it’s just boxing.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

While the talk died down eventually with nothing materializing, this latest revelation from Jones could reignite this particular flame.

Moreover, with Francis Ngannou coming off a dominant, lopsided victory over Philipe Lins at the inaugural MVP MMA card, the Cameroonian even called out Jones after flooring the Brazilian during the post-fight interview. So, if Jones is truly able to exit his UFC obligations, he may have a potential superfight on his hands.

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