Jon Jones e Tom aspinall have a rivalry in the UFC. (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Just two weeks after announcing his retirement from MMA, Jon Jones is fueling the biggest suspense in the UFC. This Monday (7), the former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) sent an enigmatic message on X (old Twitter) about returning as a challenger for the UFC belt. Tom aspinall.
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“It’s good to be the hunter and not the hunted for once,” Bones wrote on his official account.
The seemingly casual statement is strategic. The 37-year-old American signaled his interest in a fight in the White House gardens, promoted by Donald Trump in 2026. He also revealed that he is back in the organization's anti-doping testing program.
It feels nice to be the hunter and not the hunted for once.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 7, 2025
Jon Jones considers returning to fight
Jones' metaphor is not random. For months, Tom aspinall has publicly criticized Jones' courage in facing him. The Briton inherited the title after Bones' retirement at the end of June. Now, Jones has turned the tables by calling himself the "hunter."
The setup for this potential return is cinematic. In a speech in Iowa on July 3, President Donald Trump revealed plans to host an epic UFC event at the White House in July 2026 as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of American Independence. The idea would include a title fight in front of 25 people.
'Bones' reportedly asked for a lot of money to face Tom Aspinall
While Jones plays with words, Aspinall is working behind the scenes. The Englishman is said to have already set a 'date and opponent' for his first title defense. Jailton Malhadinho e Cyryl Gane are the options.
Jones' shadow threatens to turn things around. Joe Rogan, the UFC's official commentator, revealed on his podcast that Jones demanded $30 million to face Aspinall, an amount that the UFC considered 'payable'. If the White House event goes ahead, the astronomical figure may no longer be an obstacle.
UFC at the White House?
UFC President Dana White has not yet publicly commented on Jones' return or the White House event. But sources close to the organization describe negotiations as well underway.
The current President of the United States has also participated in events and been received by Jon Jones with a 'dance' in the UFC 309. For Dana, having 'Bones' and Conor McGregor (who also volunteered for the event) on a card at the government headquarters would be the biggest event in the organization's history.
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