In a twist that has set the MMA world ablaze, former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has reversed his retirement decision and revealed he’s back in the USADA drug testing pool — just two weeks after announcing he was done with the sport. The announcement came via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, and fans are already speculating what this means for the future of the heavyweight division.
“Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks,” Jones wrote, referencing his short-lived exit from professional fighting. “Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open.”
A u-turn no one saw coming
Late last month, Jones signaled what many believed was the end of an era when he vacated his UFC heavyweight title and stepped away from the sport. This effectively ended discussions around a blockbuster unification bout with Britain’s Tom Aspinall — a matchup fans had been demanding for months.
Jon Jones' retirement, however, came under murky circumstances. While UFC President Dana White maintained that Jones had agreed to the fight before walking it back, “Bones” claimed he had already retired back in November and that the promotion was aware of it. White has since disputed this, telling The Sun,
“That’s not true. I'm telling you the truth. Believe who you want to believe.”
The White House curveball
What may have reignited Jones’ fire? A historic announcement from Donald Trump. The former president declared plans to host a UFC fight on the White House lawn as part of the America 250 celebrations. That announcement seemingly lit a spark under the 37-year-old fighter.
“Fighting at the White House?” Jon Jones posted, followed by his now-viral line, “Just re-entered the testing pool…”
While Jones didn’t directly say he's returning for that specific event, the timing raised eyebrows — especially as fans began connecting dots between Trump’s announcement and Jones’ comeback hint.
Legal shadows still linger on Jon Jones
Amid the buzz, Jones is still facing legal issues. His retirement coincided with reports that he had been charged with fleeing the scene of a car accident in February involving an allegedly intoxicated woman found partially unclothed. Jon Jones has denied wrongdoing, asserting the woman drove off from his house while under the influence.
Despite the controversy, the headlines now center on what Jones might do next — and whether a historic UFC showdown at the White House could mark his return.