Jon Jones has declined a proposed trilogy bout with longtime rival Daniel Cormier under the Real American Freestyle wrestling banner, citing severe arthritis in his left hip that could require a total hip replacement.
Former UFC two-division champion Jones disclosed that his physical condition has placed his competitive future in doubt, explaining that chronic pain has limited his ability to train and may ultimately end any return to either mixed martial arts or wrestling, making the potential bout with Cormier untenable.
“I have severe arthritis, and most people don’t know that. My left hip is covered in arthritis. I actually already qualified for a hip replacement. My last training camp, I was in so much pain,” Jones said, according to reports.
The possibility of a Jones–Cormier wrestling match had gained traction after the pair were cast as rival coaches on the Russian MMA reality show ALF Global Reality, where reports from the production described a professional working relationship despite their long-standing rivalry. Cormier had publicly suggested the matchup, saying he would “beat him bad” on the mats.
Jones added that family considerations are also influencing his decision-making as he weighs whether to proceed with surgery and what that would mean for his athletic career. “I have a three-year-old baby boy, and I wanna use what I got left in my hips to play with his ass,” Jones said
The development further complicates Jones’ stated ambition to headline a proposed UFC event at the White House in June 2026, an idea that UFC CEO Dana White has previously treated cautiously, citing Jones’ history of withdrawals and uncertainty around his availability. With Jones now openly questioning whether he will compete again, his participation in any future card appears increasingly unlikely.
Despite the uncertainty, Jones indicated he is continuing to train and maintain his lifestyle while accepting that some outcomes are beyond his control. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen, I’m working out and eating healthy, I’m living the lifestyle, I’m walking the walk the way I’ve done it my whole life and I don’t really know what’s gonna happen,” Jones said, adding that regardless of whether he fights again, he feels “blessed” and “grateful for this life God granted me with.”
