Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones may have found a potential date to end his brief retirement.
Last month, Jon Jones surprised the MMA community by announcing his sudden retirement following extensive contract negotiations with the UFC. This move dampened hopes for a potential bout against Tom Aspinall, with many believing the fight would never happen.
However, only weeks into his retirement, Jones hinted at a potential return to competition. His manager later confirmed that the decorated fighter re-entered the UFC`s drug testing pool, a necessary step to keep future fight possibilities open.
Following U.S. President Donald Trump`s announcement regarding a potential UFC event at The White House, speculation grew rapidly that Jones might target this unique card for his comeback.
Jon Jones Reacts to Possible White House UFC Event Featuring Tom Aspinall
Trump generated significant buzz in the MMA world by suggesting to UFC CEO Dana White the idea of setting up the Octagon on The White House lawn for an event in 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The UFC issued a brief statement indicating that further details would be forthcoming.
Trump and Jones share a friendly connection, notably sharing a lively conversation cageside after Jones`s recent win against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. A known UFC enthusiast, Trump previously invited fighters like Jones, Jorge Masvidal, and Colby Covington, alongside commentator Joe Rogan, to his inauguration in Washington D.C. in January.
After Aspinall became the undisputed heavyweight champion following Jones`s retirement, many fans thought the highly anticipated clash between them would never happen. However, Trump`s recent announcement has reignited speculation that the fight could now be a possibility for 2026.
Recently, on Instagram, digital artist ACGraphixs shared a generated image depicting Jones celebrating a knockout victory over Aspinall at The White House, with Trump and other figures watching from cageside.
It didn`t take long for Jones to see the post and respond, acknowledging the intriguing possibility of such a scenario playing out.
“I like this,” Jones commented.
Jones`s comment quickly excited UFC fans.
“Make it happen GOAT,” one fan urged.
“Finish the legacy!” another exclaimed.
“Kick his a** then go out and eat fish and chips to rub it in.”
“Don’t tell me we actually get to see this fight!”
Dana White also acknowledged Trump`s proposal, expressing his enthusiasm with “I love it!” in a separate context related to Conor McGregor. The last time the UFC held an event in the U.S. capital was a 2019 Fight Night card headlined by Alistair Overeem and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Jones Re-Enters USADA Pool, Fueling Return Excitement
For Jones to be eligible to compete again, he must remain in the drug testing pool for at least six months after re-entering. This timeframe suggests a potential return no sooner than January 2026.
Meanwhile, Aspinall is anticipated to make his first defense as the undisputed heavyweight champion later this year. Possible opponents mentioned include Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov.
If the UFC moves forward with a White House event, it could feature numerous top fighters, potentially including both Jones and Aspinall. A match between Jones and Aspinall, fittingly, would add significant excitement to the potential July 4th celebrations commemorating 250 years of U.S. independence from England.
Jack Thornley