Jon Jones stated he will only fight Oleksandr Usyk if the bout adheres to mixed martial arts (MMA) rules, not boxing.
This declaration, made in a revealing interview with Manouk Akopyan of The Ring Magazine and published today, July 17, 2026, unequivocally shuts down the prospect of a pure boxing match. It comes just as Usyk’s advisor, Sergey Lapin, had publicly positioned Jones as a prime candidate for the Ukrainian’s highly anticipated career farewell.
Jon Jones outlines MMA rules for Usyk fight
Usyk, who recently vacated his IBA, WBC, and WBA heavyweight boxing titles in June 2026, is now actively searching for a high-profile “last dance” on U.S. soil before retirement. The notion of a monumental crossover event between these two titans of combat sports has captivated fans and pundits alike, but Jones is standing firm on his demands.
Jon Jones, a former UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion with a professional MMA record of 28-1 (1 NC), made it clear he won’t be stepping into a boxing ring. He stated, “I am no boxer,” explaining that limiting himself to only using his hands would “handicap” him. That’s “not the world that I come from,” he noted.
Jones acknowledged Usyk’s formidable boxing skills, calling him “one of the absolute GOAT’s of heavyweight boxing.” However, he believes a true test of combat ability extends beyond just striking.
Usyk’s wrestling background a key factor
The MMA star highlighted Oleksandr Usyk’s extensive wrestling background, noting it has been a “heavy part of his training for many years.” Jones suggested this grappling foundation likely contributes significantly to Usyk’s “dominance in the clinch” within the boxing ring. This insight underpins Jones’ insistence on a fight that fully encompasses all facets of combat, not just striking.
“If he would like to test his total combat skills, I would oblige him in that,” Jones asserted, challenging Usyk to a comprehensive combat test. He dismissed the idea of fighting a boxing match, which he views as “handicapping” himself by limiting his formidable skillset. Jones doesn’t consider Usyk to be a “complete fighter,” implying a gap in Usyk’s abilities outside of pure boxing.
In a pointed remark, Jones suggested “the world knows what would happen if we were locked in the same room” under no-rules conditions. He emphasized the need for mutual respect for their respective domains: “The way I respect him in the ring, he should respect me in that cage.”
For Jones, a fight with Usyk must be on an even playing field, celebrating both their unique strengths.
Oleksandr Usyk searches for his final opponent
With an unblemished professional boxing record of 25-0, Oleksandr Usyk is on a quest for the perfect opponent to cap off his storied career. His decision to relinquish his IBA, WBC, and WBA heavyweight titles last month, in June 2026, signalled a clear intent to move on after one final, significant bout.
The Ukrainian is keen for this grand finale, his “last dance,” to unfold on U.S. soil.
Prior to Jon Jones’ outspoken rejection of a boxing match, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder had emerged as a leading candidate for Usyk’s farewell. A rematch with Rico Verhoeven, the kickboxing star Usyk controversially stopped in round 11 during his last outing, was also part of the broader discussion.
Usyk’s advisor, Sergey Lapin, has indicated that further announcements regarding the farewell fight are anticipated “in the coming months” later this year or early next.
The unexpected challenge of Rico Verhoeven
Usyk’s recent fight against Rico Verhoeven, a kickboxing specialist with only a 1-0 professional boxing record, proved surprisingly demanding. The bout drew considerable criticism both before and after the event, as Verhoeven offered a much tougher challenge than many had predicted.
Despite Usyk ultimately securing a controversial stoppage in the 11th round, the contest raised questions about his readiness for another truly elite boxing challenge, particularly against a hard-hitting opponent like Wilder.
By vacating his heavyweight belts, Usyk has effectively opened up the division, paving the way for other contenders and potential championship unification bouts. This strategic move frees him from mandatory challenger obligations, allowing him to pursue a lucrative, non-title farewell fight entirely on his own terms.
These high-stakes matchups often involve considerable negotiation, as contract talks frequently delay anticipated bouts in the world of combat sports.
Jon Jones’ UFC journey and future outlook
Jon Jones hasn’t stepped into the UFC octagon since his decisive TKO victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024. That win further solidified his legacy as a two-division champion. He officially announced his retirement from the UFC in June 2025, leaving behind an exceptional professional MMA record of 28-1 (1 NC) and a reputation as one of the sport’s most dominant figures.
Despite his retirement declaration, Jones remains a part of the UFC’s drug testing pool. This ongoing contractual obligation means the promotion must offer him a specified number of fights each year, even while he’s not actively competing. It suggests that while his regular competition days might be over, the door remains ajar for a highly lucrative comeback bout, provided the terms are right.
Strained relations with UFC leadership
Jones’ relationship with the UFC hierarchy has grown noticeably tense in recent times. A public feud erupted in March 2026, sparked by his exclusion from a high-profile White House card. The incident led to a heated exchange of words with UFC President Dana White, culminating in Jones even requesting his release to explore other ventures outside the promotion.
As he approaches his 39th birthday on Sunday, July 20, 2026, Jones also faces physical realities, having been diagnosed with arthritis. This condition would qualify him for a hip replacement. Despite these health considerations, he maintains an optimistic stance, asserting that his overall health is “great, mentally, spiritually, and physically,” indicating he feels good and happy, ready for challenges on his terms.
The enduring appeal of cross-sport spectacles
The burgeoning discussion around a potential Jon Jones Oleksandr Usyk showdown perfectly encapsulates the enduring allure of cross-sport combat events. These rare matchups promise unique narratives, often transcending traditional fan bases to capture global attention. Historical events, such as Floyd Mayweather Jr.
versus Conor McGregor, demonstrably proved the immense market appetite for pitting elite athletes from different disciplines against each other, generating significant revenue and mainstream interest.
For such high-profile events to materialise, however, bridging the gap between vastly different rule sets becomes the paramount challenge. Jones’ unwavering insistence on MMA rules clearly reflects his deeply held belief in the holistic nature of his sport.
It presents a direct challenge to boxing’s traditional framework, advocating for a contest that comprehensively tests both fighters’ full spectrum of combat skills rather than just their pugilistic prowess. The boxing world, by contrast, typically seeks to maintain its distinct integrity, often resistant to altering its fundamental rules.
The reported involvement of influential figures like Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh underscores the substantial financial incentives driving these discussions. Such opportunities represent immense potential paydays for both athletes, particularly as they approach the twilight of their careers.
The crucial question now remains: will Usyk’s team concede to MMA rules, or will Jones ever be swayed to consider a boxing match for the Ukrainian’s swansong? The coming months are set to reveal more about Usyk’s grand retirement plans and, critically, who he’ll ultimately face for his final, defining bout.
