Jon Jones, who made his career on looking invincible, has recently found himself in a peculiar type of limelight. Comeback talk about the former UFC heavyweight champion never stops, especially when names like Daniel Cormier, Alex Pereira, or even the ambitious White House card are tossed into the mix. Fans dream big. But Jones, clearly, is living in a more complicated reality.

That reality spilled into public view in a way Jon Jones never intended. Jones’s medical details, which he had no intention of revealing to the world, suddenly became content online, forcing him to address an issue he had been dealing with discreetly for years. When he finally spoke about it, the message wasn’t about damage control or fighting rumors; it was about trust, boundaries, and why some things are not meant for the larger public.

Jon Jones addresses leaked medical update and loss of trust

Jon Jones eventually addressed the situation head-on while speaking with The Schmo during a Celebrity Sweat flag football event during Super Bowl 2026. The 38-year-old stated that he does, in fact, suffer from arthritis, but made it clear that the manner in which the information was revealed enraged him the most.

According to the former champion, the fan who leaked it was wearing smart glasses and recorded a conversation between them that was meant to stay confidential. He said, “The kid that leaked that was an absolute a——,” before adding, “He ended up posting that. That wasn’t for everybody to hear.”

Jones did not deny the wear and tear, nor did he exaggerate it. He described the arthritis as the result of a lifetime of sports, noting that he has been competing since seventh grade and is now approaching 40. But despite the diagnosis, he stated that he feels good enough to stay active.

“I’d do it all over again. And I feel great. You guys will see today. I’m gonna get a warm-up. I’m gonna be running around, having fun, and doing what I do, baby,” the UFC legend said, dismissing the notion that his illness defines him. That context is important when combined with previous clips in which Jon Jones nonchalantly mentioned that his left hip is so bad that he has already qualified for a hip replacement.

Fantasy scenarios with Daniel Cormier or Alex Pereira sound fascinating, but arthritis is unconcerned with legacy talk. Even wrestling-based ideas like Real American Freestyle lose their luster when hips, torque, and longevity are factored in. Jones’s appearance at the celebrity football game fueled the conversation.

Watching him get outmaneuvered by Dwight Howard frustrated many fans, but it quietly reaffirmed Jones’ thesis all along. This is not about decline; it is about realism. And maybe that’s why, despite all the talks about a return in June, ‘Bones’ has revealed that his 2026 plans might disappoint fans.

Jon Jones gives up on the Alex Pereira fight

That realism Jon Jones hinted at earlier now feels definitive. The idea of chasing another blockbuster, particularly against Alex Pereira, no longer appeals to him. For a stretch, Jones flirted with retirement before reacting to opportunities like the UFC White House that momentarily reopened the door for a comeback.

But that door seems to be closed again, not out of spite or leverage, but fatigue with the process itself. During Super Bowl week, Jon Jones spoke without making another sales pitch. ‘Bones’ revealed his plans for 2026 with Helen Yee at UC Berkeley, saying he wants to evolve as a person, which requires stepping away from his identity as a fighter.

He didn’t question his ability to compete; he questioned the point of continuing at all, especially when he believes that for the next version of himself to truly emerge, he must step away from fighting entirely. “That’s a person without fighting, and I’m excited to meet this guy to forge this guy,” Jones said.

So, does that mean he is done fighting? Well, it looks like it for now, as the UFC legend confirmed, “I think I could be done.” This confirmation effectively ends the discussion about a fight with Alex Pereira. ‘Bones’ made it clear that he wants to retire from the sport while his body and mind are still sound.

He hasn’t fought since defeating Stipe Miocic in 2024, and his departure changed the division, paving the way for Tom Aspinall. The buzz around Jon Jones vs. ‘Poatan’ may continue, but for now, the former champion seems to be over it, choosing timing and health over one last spectacle.