Jon Jones Rejects DC Wrestling Match, Cites 'Severe Arthritis'

Jon Jones has turned down a trilogy with Daniel Cormier in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling promotion.

Jones revealed that his fighting days are likely over due to severe arthritis in his hip, as he faces a potential total hip replacement. Similar to former UFC’s Ben Askren, Jones is now weighing the necessity of a hip replacement. If he moves forward with the surgery, it would effectively end any hope of a return to the Octagon or a wrestling mat.

There were suggestions that the pair could fight, as they are rival coaches on the Russian MMA reality show ALF Global Reality. Reports from the set described a “professional truce” masking their deep-seated animosity. Cormier had talked up a potential wrestling fight, stating he would  “beat him bad” on the mats.

This news complicates Jones’ public campaign to headline the UFC White House card in June 2026. UFC CEO Dana White had already expressed reluctance to count on Jones for the event, citing his history of withdrawals and “unreliability.” Now, that appears more unlikely as Jones also cast doubt on his fighting days.

Jones Reacts

“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. “I have a three-year-old baby boy, and I wanna use what I got left in my hips to play with his a–,” Jones said

“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. Regardless, I take it one day at a time, some things are just out of my control but I feel good, I feel blessed, whether I fight again or not I feel wonderful and I feel so grateful for this life God granted me with,” Jones stated