Listen to this article

Jon Jones Re-Enters USADA Testing, Hints at UFC Return

13 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Updated Jul 5, 2025, 12:30 AM

Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones has suggested he may fight again, less than two weeks after announcing his retirement on 21 June. In a 4 July social-media post, the 37-year-old said he had "just re-entered the testing pool," adding, "Figured we'd keep everyone's options open." Participation in the USADA program is a prerequisite for any licensed bout under UFC rules.

Jones also wrote "Fighting at the White House?"—a nod to President Donald Trump’s proposal to stage a UFC card on the South Lawn in July 2026 for the United States’ 250th anniversary. The comment, combined with his return to drug testing, reignited speculation that the former light-heavyweight and heavyweight titleholder intends to compete on that milestone card.

Jones retired while still recognized as the undisputed heavyweight champion, prompting the promotion to elevate Britain’s Tom Aspinall from interim to full champion. Critics accused Jones of ducking a unification bout with Aspinall, a charge he rejected in late-June posts calling detractors "trolls" and asserting he had earned the right to leave on his own terms.

UFC chief executive Dana White previously said a Jones–Aspinall fight was "done" before the champion changed his mind. Aspinall has since pledged an active title schedule, but has left the door open for a blockbuster meeting should Jones formally unretire. Re-entering the USADA pool does not obligate Jones to compete, yet it keeps him eligible should negotiations resume.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.