Jon Jones Keeps UFC Door Open While Usyk Pushes for a “Last Dance”

Still in the UFC’s Testing Pool

Jon Jones has confirmed he is still in the UFC’s drug‑testing pool, a signal that he has not officially retired. This status keeps his fighting license active should the UFC extend another contract offer. It also reflects the common practice for top fighters to remain available while weighing their options.

Jones has made it clear that a boxing match against Oleksandr Usyk is off the table for him. He described Usyk as a “GOAT of heavyweight boxing” while also noting the Ukrainian’s wrestling background. The former champion believes he could compete in MMA but refuses to limit himself to a hand‑only bout.

Usyk’s “Last Dance” Announcement

After winning the heavyweight crown, Usyk relinquished his titles and hinted at one final fight. The Ring Magazine, owned by Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh, identified Jones as a leading candidate for that bout. Yet Jones has already ruled out stepping into a boxing ring with the former champion.

Usyk’s decision opened a slew of potential matchups, with many expecting a clash of the sport’s greats. One unexpected name that surfaced was Jones, who has a storied MMA career but little interest in a pure boxing contest. The situation highlights the rare opportunity for a heavyweight boxer to face a top‑tier mixed‑martial artist.

Jones’s Take on a Crossover Fight

Jones sees Usyk’s wrestling skills as a key factor that could make an MMA bout competitive. “If he would like to test his total combat skills, I would oblige,” Jones said, emphasizing his willingness to blend striking and grappling. However, he added that fighting only with his hands would “handicap” his style. The former UFC light‑heavyweight champion also labeled Usyk “not a complete fighter” and suggested the world knows what would happen in a cage.

Historically, few heavyweight boxers have transitioned to MMA success, with the momentum usually flowing in the opposite direction. As Anthony Joshua noted, many MMA fighters try boxing, but the reverse is extremely rare. Jones’s comments underscore the difficulty of such a crossover and the low probability of it happening.

What This Means Going Forward

Even if Usyk and Turki Alalshikh are keen on pairing with Jones, any fight would have to be under MMA rules, a scenario Jones seems unlikely to accept. Meanwhile, Jones’s continued presence in the UFC’s testing pool leaves the door open for a future UFC contract but does not guarantee an immediate return. For fans, this situation maintains suspense: a potential historic crossover that probably won’t happen, and a reigning champion still on the sidelines.