Jon Jones, the former UFC heavyweight champion, recently stirred speculation about ending his brief retirement. After announcing his departure from the sport last month, surprising many, Jones quickly hinted at a potential return. This was further solidified when his manager confirmed that “Bones” had re-entered the UFC`s anti-doping program, keeping open the possibility of future fights.
The recent announcement by former President Donald Trump about a potential UFC event at The White House sparked immediate discussion about Jones`s potential involvement. Trump proposed hosting a fight card on the White House lawn in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. This idea ignited speculation that the highly anticipated clash between Jones and current undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, which seemed unlikely after Jones`s retirement, could now happen on this historic stage.
Fueling this fire, Jones himself responded to a fan-made image on Instagram depicting him knocking out Aspinall at The White House, simply commenting: “I like this.”
This concise three-word response from Jones sent the MMA community into a frenzy, with fans flooding social media with excited reactions. Comments included pleas for the fight to happen, calls for Jones to “finish the legacy,” and expressions of disbelief and hope that the long-awaited matchup against Aspinall might finally materialize on such a unique platform.
UFC CEO Dana White has also reacted positively to the prospect of a White House event. While Jones`s re-entry into the drug testing pool requires him to be available for testing for at least six months before competing, making an early 2026 return the earliest possibility, this timeline aligns perfectly with the proposed anniversary event. Tom Aspinall is expected to defend his title later this year, but the dream matchup against Jones in 2026 remains a captivating possibility. Given the historical context of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence from England, a main event featuring the American icon Jon Jones against the British champion Tom Aspinall at The White House would provide a fitting and explosive centerpiece for the celebration.
