Morning Report | Jon Jones shoots down Oleksandr Usyk talk, leaves door open for UFC return

Jon Jones has definitively ruled out a boxing match with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, despite speculation that the former UFC light heavyweight champion could be a fitting final opponent for Usyk's announced "last dance" fight.

In an interview with Ring Magazine, Jones acknowledged Usyk's status as one of boxing's all-time greats but dismissed the crossover bout outright. "No, not at all," Jones said, explaining that he would not handicap himself by fighting under boxing rules alone. While Jones noted that Usyk's wrestling background makes him "the highest potential" heavyweight boxer to compete against an MMA fighter, he was clear about the outcome if they fought under full combat sports rules. "The world knows what would happen if we were locked in the same room," Jones stated, implying an MMA matchup would heavily favor him.

However, Jones left the door open for an eventual UFC return, despite having briefly retired in 2025 and abandoning plans to fight on the UFC White House card. The Hall of Famer insisted he will not officially retire, maintaining his position in the UFC's anti-doping testing pool and continuing to get tested regularly. Jones said he remains emotionally invested in fighting through his coaching work with heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson, channeling his competitive drive into developing the next generation.

"The door is open," Jones said, suggesting a potential comeback remains possible if circumstances align. While he expressed contentment with his current role and acknowledged that inactivity reduces the likelihood of a return, Jones hinted that a higher calling could eventually draw him back to competition. For now, he's focused on mentoring Steveson while staying ready should opportunity arise.