Jones hints at taking prolonged break from Octagon

Heavyweight champion Jon Jones won't say he's retired, but it looks like he isn't in a rush to return to the Octagon.

"I don't know if I wanna call it retired," Jones wrote on X in response to being asked how it feels to be retired. "I feel like I'll always have an ability to pop out and show 'em. I've had many breaks throughout my career, my identity outside of fighting is well intact. I'm genuinely enjoying life, I'm growing in different ways."

Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall earlier in May voiced his frustration with the lack of a contract for a unification fight.

Jones said Monday that he told the UFC his plans "a long time ago." Neither he nor the promotion have offered any clarification on the cryptic comment.

The 37-year-old hasn't fought since he defeated Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick to retain the heavyweight belt at UFC 309 in November.