Jon Jones, the legendary former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, is scheduled to arrive in Russia on June 27, 2026, to discuss a potential professional boxing debut. Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), confirmed the plans on Tuesday, May 19, stating that he intends to meet the 38-year-old in person to gauge his commitment to the ringside transition. The talks are expected to take place while Jones attends an IBA Bare Knuckle tournament, an organization for which he has served as an ambassador since March 2025.
The 38-year-old combat sports icon retired from mixed martial arts in 2025 after a career that saw him dominate two weight classes. His last competitive appearance occurred in November 2024 at UFC 309, where he stopped Stipe Miocic to defend the heavyweight crown before later vacating the title. Jones has frequently expressed a desire to test his striking without the threat of takedowns, noting that focusing entirely on his “hands, combinations and punching power” could surprise the boxing world.
IBA President Umar Kremlev has already floated high-profile names for the potential event. “Jones in the ring against Daniel Cormier or Francis Ngannou, but under boxing rules, these are the fights that the whole world is talking about,” Kremlev stated. While the IBA is ready to stage a major event in Russia, any official bout would likely face hurdles regarding Jon Jones pursuing his boxing debut while under UFC contract, which reportedly still has six bouts remaining on an eight-fight deal signed in 2023.
Umar Kremlev confirms personal meeting to discuss boxing plans
The IBA has made its intentions clear by publicly courting Jones for a professional debut under its banner. The organization, which operates primarily out of Russia, has been aggressive in seeking major commercial draws since losing its recognition from the International Olympic Committee. Kremlev believes the global interest in seeing Jones box is high enough to warrant a massive production if the American’s interest proves real.
Jones is no stranger to the IBA circuit, having previously attended a bare-knuckle event in Saint Petersburg in March 2026. This longstanding relationship as an ambassador has provided the framework for the upcoming June 27 negotiations. If an agreement is reached, it would mark one of the most significant crossovers since Francis Ngannou debuted in boxing against the world’s top heavyweights.
However, the UFC hierarchy has historically protected its talent from outside bookings. Although Jones retired from MMA in 2025 and has expressed a desire to exit his contract, UFC President Dana White still considers him part of the roster. This contractual stalemate previously derailed a July 2025 proposal for Jones to fight Fedor Emelianenko at Red Square, which the fighter declined due to his existing obligations with TKO Group Holdings.
Potential heavyweight opponents for a Russian boxing debut
If the IBA succeeds in clearing the legal path, the proposed match with Francis Ngannou would be the most logical competitive fit. Ngannou, who currently holds a 0-2 professional boxing record following losses to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, has already demonstrated the marketability of MMA-to-boxing transitions. The IBA’s willingness to fund such a spectacle in Russia could provide the financial leverage needed to resolve the ongoing contract disputes.
The suggestion of Daniel Cormier as an opponent remains more speculative. Cormier is 47 years old and has been retired from active competition since 2020. While the rivalry between Jones and Cormier defined an era in the UFC, Cormier has not publicly indicated any plan to step into a professional boxing ring. Jones, meanwhile, remains younger and more recently active, which could influence the level of competition the IBA eventually targets.
Other heavyweights are also moving pieces in the current market. As Andy Ruiz Jr. prepares for his heavyweight return, the demand for name-brand fighters in the division remains at an all-time high. Jones believes his transition would be successful, stating, “I love to box, that would be a lot of fun.” The upcoming meetings in Russia will determine if that fun translates into a sanctioned professional bout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jon Jones officially retired from MMA?
Yes, Jon Jones retired from mixed martial arts in 2025. He vacated his UFC heavyweight title that same year, with his final fight being a TKO victory over Stipe Miocic in November 2024 at UFC 309.
What is Jon Jones’ current contract status with the UFC?
Jones signed an eight-fight contract with the UFC in 2023. He reportedly has six bouts remaining on that deal, and despite his retirement from the sport, the UFC generally does not permit contracted fighters to compete in outside boxing or bare-knuckle events.
When will the talks with the IBA take place?
Jon Jones is scheduled to arrive in Russia on June 27, 2026. He will meet with IBA President Umar Kremlev during an IBA Bare Knuckle tournament to discuss the feasibility of a professional boxing debut.
