Jon Jones plans to retire after Miocic fight barring Ngannou challenge

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones plans to ride off into the sunset after fighting Stipe Miocic, though Francis Ngannou could alter his plans.

"I do believe a Francis Ngannou fight would be worth entertaining not retiring," Jones told Fox Sports Australia. "I think a Francis fight would come with some serious revenue, and that would make it worth my while. Francis is a former champion. He's pretty damn popular here in America and across the world. He's very well known. It would bring in a lot of money, and for that, I would be willing to come back."

Ngannou left the UFC earlier this year after the two sides were unable to agree on a new contract. He was stripped of the heavyweight belt as a result. Jones then captured the title by submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round at UFC 285. It was Jones' first UFC fight in more than three years.

Jones added that his retirement consideration draws from the belief that he won't have anything else to prove after fighting Miocic.

"I think the Stipe fight will be plenty for me," Jones explained. "I feel like I don't really have much to prove after beating Stipe Miocic. I've been in the game a long time, and, in fighter years, I'm an old guy. I've been training for a long time; I've been in the game for a long time and got some small injuries.

"I just really want to be around. Be around for my family, be around for my kids. I want to be able to play with my kids and have a good head on my shoulders and joints that work. Yeah, I can see it coming to an end really soon, and I'm happy with that. I'm really proud of my career."