Jon Jones’ retirement from mixed martial arts has proven to be much shorter than expected. Just months after making headlines with his shock decision to step away from the sport, the former UFC heavyweight champion has officially re-entered the UFC’s anti-doping testing pool, signaling that a return to the Octagon could be on the horizon.
Jon Jones back in the USADA database
A recent update to the UFC’s Anti-Doping Program database shows Jones’ name reinstated, confirming that he has undergone testing for the third time in 2025. This development gives weight to his earlier hints about a comeback, with his sights reportedly set on competing at the UFC’s historic event planned for the White House lawn on July 4, 2026.
From injury layoff to retirement drama
Jones’ journey back to potential competition has been far from straightforward. The last time fans saw him in action was at UFC 309, where he successfully defended his title against Stipe Miocic. That bout had originally been scheduled for UFC 295, but a torn pectoral muscle forced Jon Jones out, leading the UFC to crown an interim heavyweight champion.
Tom Aspinall claimed that interim belt at UFC 295 and went on to defend it at UFC 304. While UFC President Dana White had teased a possible Jones-Aspinall clash, negotiations fell apart when Jones announced his retirement in June. At the time, he stated he had “accomplished everything” in MMA — though the announcement coincided with new legal troubles stemming from a February car accident in New Mexico.
The White House UFC card takes shape
With the UFC preparing a massive pay-per-view event for America’s Semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026, speculation is mounting about which stars will headline. Alongside Jon Jones, Conor McGregor has also rejoined the testing pool, suggesting the possibility of a blockbuster card.
While Dana White has stopped short of confirming Jones’ participation, his re-entry into the testing program marks the strongest sign yet that “Bones” is gearing up for one more run. For fans, the thought of Jones returning to reclaim his throne could make the 2026 White House event one of the biggest spectacles in MMA history.