UFC second-half questions: Jones and Miocic on retirement watch? Alexa

The first half of the MMA year came and went, leaving us with some special moments and memories, including the UFC 290 and International Fight Week, the event that marks the midway point on the MMA calendar.

Now it’s time to look ahead to the biggest questions that need to be addressed in the second half of the year, including potential retirements from MMA greats Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, and the outlook of the light heavyweight division following the announcement that champion Jamahal Hill has vacated the belt due to injury.

Brett Okamoto, Marc Raimondi and Jeff Wagenheim reflect on the status of the heavyweights and light heavyweights, plus the future of one of the most competitive divisions in women’s MMA and more.

Zero, 1 or 2: How many fighters will retire after Jones-Miocic at UFC 295?

Raimondi: One. Miocic will be 41 years old when the fight happens. He has a full-time job as a firefighter, which he plans on keeping. Miocic has competed in big fights, won the heavyweight title twice and defended it a total of four times — the most title defenses in the history of the division. Win or lose in November, Miocic has accomplished just about everything you can in MMA. Jones will likely be his last big-money fight. What else would be left for the blue-collar Ohio native? Madison Square Garden would be a nice way to go out.

Jones has spoken about retirement, but I don’t think this will be his last bout. Did he spend three years bulking up to heavyweight just to step away after two fights in the weight class? I don’t buy it. The problem is there just aren’t many stars at heavyweight right now, especially with Francis Ngannou gone. Jones left light heavyweight because he felt like he was starting to fight guys who didn’t have big names. That’s probably one of the reasons. But after that quick finish of Ciryl Gane back in March, it’s clear Jones still has a lot left in the tank.

Wagenheim: One. I think this will be it…