Jon Jones teases UFC return — two weeks after retirement
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After two long weeks of retirement, Jon Jones might be coming back.

The former UFC heavyweight champion recently relinquished his title and took a break from fighting in the octagon. However, he announced on X that he has 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.”


Jon Jones is unretiring from the UFC.
Jon Jones could be returning to UFC. Zuffa LLC

It is important to note that UFC regulations stipulate that a fighter must undergo a minimum of six months of testing before being eligible to compete again. This suggests that Jones may have plans to make a comeback in 2026.

Jones, who is 37 years old, surprised the MMA community on June 21st, when UFC President Dana White declared, “Jon Jones contacted us last night and has retired. Jon Jones has officially retired. Tom Aspinall is now the UFC heavyweight champion.”

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.


Jon Jones is the former UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Jon Jones is the former UFC heavyweight champion. Zuffa LLC

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.

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