Jon Jones Reveals Why He Cut Retirement Short — UFC Comeback Explained
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Jon Jones recently explained his decision to cut his retirement short and revealed why he plans to return to competition. He said an exciting opportunity arose that is too good to pass up, giving him renewed motivation to fight again.
Jones vacated the UFC heavyweight championship, which led to Tom Aspinall being promoted to undisputed champion. The two had been linked to a potential bout for well over a year, making that matchup more likely now more than ever.
Jones said he was drawn to the UFC‘s upcoming one-of-a-kind event at the White House and spoke about his sincere interest.
In an interview on The ESPYs Red Carpet show, Jones shared his thoughts:
“I felt like I was at a place where I’ve done it all in the MMA space and felt like there wasn’t too many more challenges for me.”
Jones credited U.S. President Donald Trump for inspiring him to return. He told host Christine Williamson that he aims to compete on the White House card scheduled for Jul. 4, 2026.
“I just wanted to do something more than championships and money. And, Donald Trump mentioned that he wanted to have a [UFC] fight at the White House,” Jones said. “That just seems like such a huge opportunity. I’m a very proud American. I have a lot of close friends that are in the military…To be able to entertain the country and the world at this level at the White House, it just means the world to me. So, I’m back.”
Jon Jones says He Would Be Open to Fighting Tom Aspinall at the White House
Jones also discussed possible opponents for the UFC’s White House card. He recently announced that he re-entered the testing pool and said Aspinall could be a likely matchup.
Speaking to Joy of Everything, Jones revealed that he plans to challenge the UFC heavyweight champion, whomever that may be. He named Aspinall specifically as a strong possibility and said that it would be a great spectacle.
“I would want to take on whoever is holding the [heavyweight championship] at the end of the year,” Jones said. “As of right now, the champion is Tom Aspinall. But, we’ll see who’s the champion at the end of the year.”
Jones emphasized that an American fighting for the title at a historical landmark would be fitting for the occasion.
” I feel like it would be only fitting to have an American guy fight for the championship that night. I would be willing to put it all on the line one more time.”
Jon Jones Addresses Brief Retirement
Jones addressed his brief UFC retirement and compared his comeback to a popular narrative in sports.
While speaking on stage at the 2025 ESPY Awards, Jones said his initial retirement was genuine. However, he’s now motived and has renewed excitement for the sport.
“I sure did [just retire],” Jones said. “I did [mean it] at the time, but I do know that everyone loves a good comeback, right, guys?”
He last fought at UFC 309, where he earned a dominant 3rd round TKO win against Stipe Miocic The victory marked his first title defense as heavyweight champion and extended his unbeaten streak in title fights.