Months after his unplanned retirement, Jon Jones has been in the news again, as he has re-entered the UFC’s anti-doping testing pool. Naturally, that has started to rekindle the rumors of his anticipated return, possibly for the UFC’s 2026 White House event in history.
Jon Jones Rejoins UFC Anti-Doping Program
Jon Jones is now officially listed in the UFC Anti-Doping Program database. Recent updates indicate that former heavyweight champ has been tested a third time in 2025, which suggests he may have some serious intentions about coming back to the Octagon.
This re-emergence comes after subtle teasers made by Jones in the recent months and concurs with news he might aim to return at the UFC’s milestone July 4, 2026, White House card, which will be a part of the USA’s 250th anniversary extravaganza.
From Injury Setback to Retirement Announcement
Jones’ road back has not been without turns. Fans hadn’t seen him inside the octagon at UFC 309, where he did indeed successfully defend his heavyweight title versus Stipe Miocic. The bout had been scheduled for UFC 295 originally, but Jones was forced to pull out with a torn pectoral muscle.
In Aspinall’s absence, Tom Aspinall won the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295 and defended it afterward at UFC 304. Although most anticipated that Jon Jones would face Tom Aspinall in a unification match, all such plans fell through when Jones retired suddenly in June 2025.
Jones said then that he had “done everything” in the world of MMA. But the news came as he was facing legal troubles stemming from a New Mexico car accident, leaving open the question of whether his exit was permanent.
Jon Jones Sets Sights on Returning for 2026 White House UFC Card
The UFC is headed into its 250th event semi-anniversary in 2026, and there is a lot of chatter about Jon Jones’ return to fighting. The event is said to take place in front of the White House and is sure to be one of the coolest fights in MMA history.
To add to the buzz, Conor McGregor has also returned to the testing pool, paving the way for a player-studded field. Although Dana White remains reluctant to officially announce Jones’ comeback, sources indicate that the former champion is being prepared to return.
What’s Next for Jon Jones in UFC?
With his name re-entered in the USADA database, Jon Jones has made the strongest move thus far towards getting back to fighting. Whether it’s a title-unification fight with Aspinall, a trilogy with Miocic, or a fresh face, everyone is waiting with bated breath for an announcement of who “Bones” will next face.
Jon Jones’ Comeback Could Define UFC’s Future
If Jon Jones returns in 2026, it will be one of the most highly anticipated returns in UFC history. His participation in the White House card would make the event a worldwide spectacle, making him one of the sport’s all-time greats once again.
While more details are being revealed, all eyes are still on Jones, his training, his next opponent, and if his legacy has one more chapter to be written.
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