Jon Jones is back in the public eye. He stepped outside the Octagon to serve as a presenter at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. The former UFC heavyweight champion introduced Bailey Zimmerman and The Kid LAROI ahead of their live performance of ‘Lost.’
LL Cool J hosted the 2025 VMAs at New York’s UBS Arena. The night was packed with A-list appearances, including Jelly Roll, Katseye, Ice Spice, Latto, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Joyner Lucas, Sexyy Red, and many more.
Jones’ Recent UFC Chapter
Jones was last seen in the Octagon on November 16, 2024. He successfully defended his UFC heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.
Shortly after, he announced his retirement from MMA. It only took two weeks for him to walk it back following the reveal of the UFC’s historic White House card set for 2026.
UFC at the VMAs
The VMAs are no strangers to UFC star power. In 2021, Conor McGregor took the stage as a presenter. He made headlines for his viral altercation with Machine Gun Kelly on the red carpet.
Jones’ appearance this year continues the trend of fighters crossing over into mainstream pop culture.
