Jon Jones Joins Bare-Knuckle Boxing as IBA Ambassador Amid UFC Feud

UFC icon Jon Jones has made a surprising announcement, revealing his new partnership as an ambassador for IBA Bare Knuckle. This development follows a period of intense public dispute with UFC President Dana White, during which Jones vehemently campaigned for a super fight against Alex Pereira on the landmark UFC White House card. White, however, declined Jones's participation, citing alleged arthritis issues, leading to a highly publicized disagreement that has frequently made MMA headlines.

Undeterred by his exclusion from the UFC event, the 38-year-old legend swiftly embarked on a new venture. Jones took to Instagram on Sunday to announce his role as an ambassador for IBA Bare Knuckle. His first appearance in this new capacity is slated for Friday, March 28th, in St. Petersburg, Russia, as part of an action-packed six-fight card.

Jon Jones Steps Into Permanent Co-Host Role for IBA Bare Knuckle

Jones further detailed his collaboration with IBA Bare Knuckle in an Instagram video, a revelation that caught the entire mixed martial arts community by surprise. Given his recent, well-documented tensions with the UFC, few expected such a rapid transition and alignment with another combat sports organization.

“Hello, this is MMA legend Jon ‘Bones’ Jones. And I’m excited to announce my new partnership as an an ambassador for IBA Bare Knuckle. Big thank you to you, Alfredo… My first event with the company is going to be in St. Petersburg [on] March 28th. I’m super excited to see you all there, and let’s have a Hara Showtime.”

According to posts shared across social media, Jones is set to become a permanent co-host for IBA Bare Knuckle events. This position enables him to remain actively involved in combat sports without engaging in competition himself. His prominent role as co-host is anticipated to significantly elevate the international visibility of the March 28th event, which features a high-profile main event pitting former UFC title challenger Yoel Romero against local fighter Vagab Vagabov.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) officially introduced bare-knuckle boxing as a new discipline in May 2025. Their inaugural major bare-knuckle event, IBA Bare Knuckle 1, took place on July 26, 2025, in Moscow, Russia. Since then, the organization has hosted two additional events, all exclusively within Russia. Previously, the IBA supervised boxing at the Olympic Games until the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revoked these duties in June 2023, citing serious concerns regarding governance and transparency.