Jon Jones. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jon Jones makes shocking U-turn on UFC retirement with bombshell announcement

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow
By Christopher De Santiago | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 6:39 PM ET

Jon Jones could be coming out of retirement to fight Tom Aspinall.

At 23, Jon Jones shocked the world when he became the youngest champion in UFC history. At 37, Jones shocked the world yet again with his decision to retire from MMA, avoiding a title unification bout with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in the process.

Jones announced his official retirement on June 21 and Aspinall was promoted to the undisputed heavyweight champion.

UFC CEO Dana White had guaranteed on multiple occasions that the superfight would happen, later saying he did all he could as Jones decided not to go through with it.

Weeks removed from his retirement decision and hundreds of "ducking" claims, it doesn’t look like Jones is done fighting just yet.

Jon Jones teases White House fight after claiming he re-entered drug testing pool

The UFC made national headlines on Wednesday when President Donald Trump announced there will be a UFC event at the White House commemorating the USA’s 250th birthday, this time next year.

Jones vs. Aspinall was one of several fights for the White House concept card, as Jones hails from the U.S. and Aspinall from England.

Jones, who did the "Trump dance" in front of President Trump at Madison Square Garden last November, seems to like the idea of fighting at the White House.

“Fighting at the White House?” Jones wrote on X.

Shortly after, Jones claimed he is now back in UFC’s drug testing pool, insinuating a potential comeback fight.

“Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks,” Jones said.

“Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open,” Jones added, not mentioning Aspinall.

Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks. Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 4, 2025

Jon Jones presented UFC belt to President Trump after winning retirement fight

Jones was the last remaining American UFC champion in the men’s divisions.

While he never unified the title against Tom Aspinall, ‘Bones’ closed out his UFC career in style. Jones fought arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time in Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden.

Jones slayed Miocic with a spinning back kick to defend his title, handing it off to President Donald Trump, who was in attendance.

Jon Jones hands his UFC heavyweight championship belt to President @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/mrnu3QtB4L
— Margo Martin (@margomartin) November 17, 2024