At only 26-years-old, Jon Jones would be looking at 6 more years of fighting, maybe 12-14 more fights, before he was at a GSP-level of greatness, ready to step away from the sport. When it’s put like that, after nine years in the UFC and 20-something fights, it’s time. GSP has taken enough damage and given enough to the sport. Jon Jones feels the same way.
He said this to Bleacher Report:
“There is obviously a lot of pressure, it’s life and that’s the way it works. Everyone deals with pressure everyday going to work. Obviously, when you are a recognizable figure things are a little different, but it’s part of life and this is what we asked for in the first place. It is what it is and I think Georges has done a great job. There is no story where there is too much pressure and he quit too soon. He’s proven everything already and there’s nothing left for him to do. He’s dealt with the pressure awesomely. So much in fact that none of us even saw this coming.”
“I think he’s right where he needs to be. I don’t think he’s doing bad or having any issues or anything like that. I think he’s right where he needs to be with taking time off or retiring. You can’t argue with that. He’s done everything right.”