Jon Jones is the former UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Instagram/UFC Brazil.
Less than a month after his retirement was announced, Jon Jones has already changed his mind and knows exactly when and where he intends to make his return: at UFC Casa Branca, a historic event announced by Donald Trump for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States, in July 2026, in the gardens of the presidential mansion.
In an interview with the 'Joy of Everything' page on TikTok, the former light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) champion reiterated his intention to fight for the heavyweight belt in the historic edition, either against Tom aspinall or against whoever holds the title on the day of the event.
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"I'd like to face whoever holds the belt at the end of the year. Today, the champion is Tom aspinall, but we'll see who it is at the end of the year. I think it would be appropriate to have an American fighting for the title that night,” said 'Bones'.
White House event prompted return of Jon Jones to the octagon
Jones had been linked to a potential fight against Aspinall for much of 2025, with UFC president Dana White even guaranteeing the bout would take place in November at Madison Square Garden. However, the veteran surprised everyone by announcing his retirement, ending the saga for now.
The decision, however, was short-lived. With confirmation that the UFC would hold a special card as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence, a plan conceived by Donald Trump, Jones became enthusiastic and decided to return to action. The American claims to have already resubmitted his application to the anti-doping program, a mandatory step for any return.
“I can't promise anything, but I have a very strong feeling that I'll be on that card. I think it's going to be incredibly iconic, historic. In my opinion, it's going to be on par with Thrilla in Manila, Rumble in the Jungle… It could even be bigger,” projected the former champion, drawing parallels with historic boxing events.
Meanwhile, Tom aspinall must continue with his agenda as champion. Promoted to linear belt holder with the retirement of Jon Jones, the British must defend the title in 2025, probably against the Frenchman Cyryl Gane.
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