Jon Jones' retirement from mixed martial arts has been a topic of intense speculation throughout the year. The announcement by UFC CEO Dana White in Baku, Azerbaijan, came as a surprise to many, marking the end of an era in the UFC. Jones, widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, retired without facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, a fight that had the potential to be one of the biggest in UFC history.

The Disappointment of an Unfulfilled Fight

The anticipation of Jones moving up to heavyweight was a long-standing narrative in the MMA community. After dominating the light heavyweight division for years, fans eagerly awaited his challenge in the heavier weight class. However, his heavyweight run was marked by a vacant title fight against Ciryl Gane and a single defense against Stipe Miocic, both of which left fans wanting more.

Jones' Right to Choose

Despite the disappointment, it's important to recognize that Jones doesn't owe the world the Aspinall fight. His career decisions, including choosing the path of least resistance with Gane and accepting a lucrative fight against Miocic, were in his best interest as a champion. Any reasonable fighter would have made similar choices.

The Legacy of Jon Jones

Jones' legacy is already complex, marred by legal issues and failed drug tests. However, his records and body of work in the Octagon remain untouchable. The refusal to fight Aspinall adds a 'but' to his legacy, but it doesn't negate his achievements. Jones was the greatest fighter who ever lived, and his decision to retire without the Aspinall fight will be a part of his story.

A Deserved Farewell

Jones deserved a more fitting farewell than a single sentence from White at a news conference in Baku. A Las Vegas news conference during UFC International Fight Week would have been a more appropriate setting to celebrate his career. As we reflect on Jones' retirement, we should remember the magical moments he created inside the Octagon, rather than the one fight he didn't take.