After two long weeks of retirement, Jon Jones might be coming back.
The former UFC heavyweight champion vacated the title and stepped away from the octagon two weeks ago, but he said Friday on X that he re-entered the anti-doping testing pool.
“Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks,” he acknowledged on X. “Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open.”
The U-turn is notable given that UFC rules mandate a minimum six-month testing period before a fighter can compete, meaning Jones could be eyeing a return in 2026.
Jones, 37, shocked the MMA world on June 21 when UFC President Dana White said, “Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
At the time, the announcement quashed anticipation for a highly anticipated title-unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall.
That fight had been in limbo for months, and many accused Jones of ducking Aspinall.
Aspinall repeatedly called Jones out, pushing for clarity and consistency.
White had publicly stated that the bout was “100 percent” booked and even set a date before Jones retired, describing the decision timeline as “crazy” when Jones hinted at vacating the belt.
Meanwhile, Aspinall expressed confusion and frustration.
Because Jones did step away, Aspinall was elevated to full heavyweight champion, the title he still holds.
In fact, just one day before Jones unretired, Aspinall said he had a date and an opponent, but it’s unknown if the foe will actually be Jones.
Jones’ most recent bout was a one-sided TKO win over former champion Stipe Miocic in November.
Jones walked away from the sport at 28-1 with 11 knockouts and seven submissions.
He’ll be able to add to the tally soon enough — if he does in fact return.
