Moscow is accustomed to high-profile guests, but the arrival of the notorious “Bones” turned into a real sensation: the greatest light heavyweight of all time doesn’t pose on Red Square and post a photo captioned “From Russia with love” every day. It seemed that Jon Jones had only just announced his retirement, relinquished the heavyweight belt, and then just as swiftly returned to the testing pool—and now he’s posing against the Kremlin backdrop.
The Champion’s Surprise Raid
Jones’s visit on 26 July coincided with the IBA Bare Knuckle show at Moscow’s LIVE Arena. The American strolled through the stands handing out selfies and effortlessly became the evening’s main star, even though the main event featured a bout between Samat Abdyrahmanov and Emil Novruzov. MMA fans rejoiced at the chance to see their idol in person—as if it were a press tour ahead of a title fight.
A Bare-Knuckle Gladiator
The bare-knuckle format, where fighters battle with bare fists, has long attracted Jones as a way to “return to the roots.” He didn’t step into the ring, but watched the clinch work and short uppercuts with interest, noting that this style perfectly trains accuracy and durability—qualities that helped him dominate inside the UFC Octagon.
Kremlev and the IBA Influence
The star’s visit was arranged by International Boxing Association president Umar Kremlev. Previously he had brought Conor McGregor together with Petr Yan at a boxing event in Dubai and argued with Tyson Fury over the outcome of Albert Batyrgaziev’s fight at another show in Istanbul. For Kremlev, inviting Jones is yet another proof that Moscow can gather the elite of combat sports under one roof.
Media Collaborations
Standing next to the champion in the photos was controversial blogger and Alf Global reality-show promoter Alfredo Auditore. Jones had already appeared in his project in Phuket as a coach alongside Nate Diaz. It seems the partnership will continue: the UFC star understands the value of quality media content almost as well as the arc of a high kick.
What’s Next for “Bones”?
Fans are guessing where he will surface next: a meeting with the President at the White House, a return to the Octagon against Tom Aspinall, or another bare-knuckle show. One thing is clear: Jon Jones knows how to keep an intrigue and remains the most talked-about fighter on the planet—even when he isn’t fighting.
