Jon Jones Shows Respect to Cuban MMA Icon Ahead of Bare Knuckle Headliner in Russia

Jones is not competing. His role at IBA Bare Knuckle 4 is as the league’s new global ambassador, serving as host for Romero versus Vagab Vagabov in the main event. It matters because of everything going on with his UFC contract. He’s still around, still involved in combat sports, and connecting with other organizations that clearly want him, even though he’s not the one fighting this Saturday.

Whether the ambassador role develops into something more significant or remains a high-profile appearance depends on how the UFC contract situation resolves itself. For now, Jones is in Russia, Romero looks unbelievable, and the bare-knuckle world has its most recognizable new face.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Meanwhile, ‘Bones’ wants the UFC to release him.

Jon Jones Requests Release From UFC Contract

The Jon Jones-UFC relationship has reached its most publicly fractured point. And the statement Jones released leaves very little room for quiet resolution behind closed doors. His request for release was framed with deliberate restraint, respectfully, with acknowledgment of what the UFC has meant to his career, and tied directly to White’s public comments about his physical condition and competitive viability.

“After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m “done” is disappointing…If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today,” Jones wrote.

The UFC’s release of Jones means the most decorated heavyweight in the promotion’s history is now a free agent. This comes at a time when Jake Paul has publicly offered him MVP. The IBA has also made him a global ambassador. At the same time, other platforms are competing for combat sports talent in ways that weren’t possible five years ago.