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Jon Jones explains decision to end short-lived UFC retirement and hints at Tom Aspinall fight

Originally posted on HITC | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 12:07 PM ET

Jon Jones says it doesn’t matter who he fights, as long as his UFC return takes place at the White House.

Jones, a former two-weight world champion, had recently retired and vacated the heavyweight title without ever facing Tom Aspinall. But just weeks later, he changed his mind, citing the opportunity to fight at President Donald Trump’s White House event as a key reason for his decision.

The potential matchup with Aspinall had appeared unlikely regardless of Jones’ retirement status, but it now seems to be back on the table. However, the man from Rochester, New York, has made it clear that the opponent doesn’t matter to him. What matters to him is fighting on such a unique and high-profile stage.

Jon Jones called off retirement because of UFC White House announcement

Aspinall and Jon Jones were seemingly set for a fight until shortly before Jon’s retirement. Dana White said everything was agreed upon, but it never materialised.

Jones then stepped away from fighting but changed his mind after hearing about the UFC’s plans for an event at the White House celebrating America’s 250th birthday. He posted several tweets explaining that this new purpose made his opponent irrelevant.

“Donald made his announcement on the morning of the Fourth of July, I called the UFC headquarters that very same afternoon,” Jones told a fan in one of many tweets. “I’ll just leave it at that. America! Now that tickles my pickle.”

Dana White wants Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall for UFC White House

If Jon follows through on this stance, fans might finally see him take on Aspinall. Dana White has already hinted this is his top choice for headlining the card – even ahead of a potential Conor McGregor return.

The main event hadn’t been confirmed yet when he was asked about it during an appearance on the Full Send Podcast. “The dream main event right now would be Aspinall vs. Jones,” White stated.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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