Jon Jones on hip pain and future fights

Jon Jones has spoken about his health after a conversation that was meant to remain private went viral. During the talk, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) legend said his hip joint is in terrible condition and needs replacement.

«It appears a private conversation I was having at an event in Houston became public,» Jones was quoted as saying. «It happens. Like most fighters, we sometimes silently endure injuries — in my case, for years. Many of us limp for most days, paying the ultimate price — our health.»

If you haven«t seen the video, the former two-division champion was at a sports event, thinking he was having a casual chat with fellow MMA fighter Joaquin Buckley, but someone was recording.

In the conversation, Jones could be heard saying: «I have severe arthritis, and most people don«t know. My left hip joint is arthritic. I can practically qualify for a replacement. During my last training camp, man, I would go to bed in excruciating pain.»

Now Jones is clarifying to avoid misunderstandings. «If you«re wondering if it»s true, yes. I«m grateful for all my battle scars, and if I could do it all over, I would undoubtedly do it. That»s what I woke up for every day throughout my career.»

He continued: «Even after becoming one of the most decorated fighters in sports history, my critics still reproach me for slowing down in recent years. That«s called living to fight another day, learning and applying lessons in business, not the Octagon. That»s called evolution.»

So what«s next for Jones? «The UFC knows the extent of my arthritis. They also know that if I were to risk everything one last time and endure such pain, the reward must be something special, something more than just a solid paycheck. For me, that goal has always been and remains the White House.»

Jones concluded: «Whether this fight happens or not, my career is already legendary and will go down in history. I left a part of myself in that Octagon and am grateful for every moment. And let no one doubt, I can still beat 99% of you out there. Still posting great results on squats. Still training. Still working harder than most of you... just maybe after a good warm-up and stretch.»

The UFC fighting show at the White House kicks off on June 14.