Jon Jones would fight Oleksandr Usyk – but not in boxing.

Usyk announced he would have one final fight before retiring, as he confirmed his decision to vacate his WBA, IBF and WBC world titles.

Jon Jones of the United States of America reacts after his TKO victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City

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Jones is only interested in a fight with Usyk if he chooses to step into his domainCredit: Getty

The Ukrainian was then believed to be considering Jones alongside Deontay Wilder as an option for his final fight in the boxing ring.

‘Bones’ is an MMA superstar and legend but has lacked activity in the UFC in recent months, having not fought since beating Stipe Miocic in 2024.

Many suggested he’d likely consider a crossover fight in the squared circle, to follow in the foosteps of Francis Ngannou and Conor McGregor.

But the American has now shut down a move to another sport, insisting he’d take on Usyk if he wanted to step into the cage.

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“Not at all [interested]. Usyk is Usyk, man,” Jones told Ring Magazine.

“He is one of the absolute GOATs of heavyweight boxing.

“I also am aware that he does wrestling, and wrestling has been a heavy part of his training for many years, probably why he is so dominant in the clinch.

“If he would like to test his total combat skills, I would oblige him in that.

“But to handicap myself by only using my hands, that’s not the world that I come from. I’m no boxer.

“And I don’t consider Usyk to be a complete fighter. I think the world knows what would happen if we were locked in the same room.”

Deontay Wilder [left] with Oleksandr Usyk [right]

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Usyk is far more likely to take on Wilder

Jones is still under contract with the UFC, but has toyed with the idea of retirement himself.

What next for Usyk?

Usyk has spoken regularly about a move to MMA, and has even held talks with Jake Paul over a clash.

But given he is coming to the end of his career, unless a huge financial sum can be offered, it appears highly unlikely.

It appears more likely that his final fight will now come against Wilder.

The pair had held talks over a clash, which collapsed and saw the pair go their separate ways, with Wilder beating Chisora and Usyk beating Verhoeven.

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But negotiations are now back on with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing likely to be heavily involved.