Jon Jones is expected to return from retirement amid rumors linking him to a UFC event planned by President Donald Trump for July 4, 2026, set to take place on the White House grounds. This fight is part of a larger commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Having been a frequent UFC attendee in recent years, Trump’s enthusiasm for the sport has been acknowledged by UFC President Dana White, who credits Trump for supporting the promotion’s efforts to hold events at large public venues. Now, as the 47th president, Trump aims to bring the Octagon’s intensity to the nation’s capital in a unique way during the upcoming celebrations.
At an Iowa rally on Thursday, Trump officially announced plans for a UFC title fight to be held on the White House lawn, highlighting the expansive area available for such an event. Trump emphasized Dana White’s role in organizing the fight and predicted the event would draw an audience of up to 25,000 spectators. He described the match as a centerpiece among several professional and amateur contests planned for the milestone year.
“We’re gonna have a UFC fight,”
Trump declared.
“Think of this on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. We’re gonna build a little, we’re not, Dana’s gonna do it.”
“We’re gonna do that as part of 250 also,”
he added.
“We’re gonna have some incredible events, some professional events, some amateur events, but the UFC fight’s gonna be a big deal.”
—Donald Trump, President of the United States
Speculation Rises Over Potential Fighters for the Historic White House UFC Match
The announcement sparked widespread discussion within the MMA community about which fighters could compete in this unprecedented event. Fans quickly speculated that the fight card could feature a notable U.S. versus U.K. matchup, recalling a recent heavyweight clash that failed to materialize.
Many pointed toward a potential bout between Jon Jones, often regarded as one of the greatest American MMA fighters, and Tom Aspinall, the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion from England. This matchup was suggested as an ideal headline fight, aligning national pride with the significance of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
“The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It has to be English fighter and UFC Heavyweight Champion, Tom Aspinall vs arguably the greatest American MMA fighter of all time, Jon Jones.”
“Perfect opportunity for Jon Jones to come out of retirement.”
“Obviously an American will headline. Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall. USA vs ENGLAND. Book it.”
—MMA fans on social media
While Jones remains the focus of much of the speculation, some enthusiasts have looked beyond that potential bout and suggested alternative fights that could feature on the card. These proposals include well-known fighters such as Kayla Harrison, Amanda Nunes, Israel “Izzy” Adesanya, Sean Strickland, Colby Covington, and Ilia Topuria, with some also mentioning rising stars like Bryce Mitchell.
“Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes. Izzy vs Strickland 2.”
“Colby (Covington) will main event a non-title fight in that card.”
“It has to be Ilia (Topuria), biggest star since Conor (McGregor).”
“Don’t know about the main event, but Bryce Mitchell will definitely be on the card.”
—MMA fans discussing fight possibilities
Kayla Harrison Stands as the Only American UFC Champion Eligible for the Event
Among the potential participants, Kayla Harrison emerges as a strong contender, given her status as the sole reigning American UFC champion after recent heavyweight title changes. Harrison claimed the bantamweight crown at UFC 316 by submitting Julianna Pena with a kimura, simultaneously marking her and Jones as the last two remaining American titleholders on UFC’s biggest stage.
Jones’s retirement and the subsequent transfer of the heavyweight championship to English fighter Tom Aspinall left Harrison as the lone American flag bearer among the promotion’s champions. Her willingness to defend her title at the White House event is yet to be confirmed, although her celebratory moment with president Trump at the Prudential Center after UFC 316 suggests she might embrace the opportunity.
Historic and Cultural Impact of Hosting UFC at the White House
Organizing a UFC championship fight at the White House lawn for America’s 250th birthday signifies a remarkable fusion of sport and national pride. It reflects the growing mainstream acceptance of mixed martial arts and the sport’s increasing presence in American culture. This event would be unprecedented in the history of both the UFC and presidential engagements with athletic tournaments.
Trump’s support of MMA and the direct involvement of Dana White are expected to elevate the profile of the 2026 celebrations, attracting fans nationally and worldwide. If the rumors of Jon Jones’s comeback are confirmed, the fight could mark a major moment not only for MMA history but also for commemorating a significant national milestone.
For the UFC, this event could open new doors for outdoor and non-traditional venue matches, potentially increasing fan engagement and expanding the sport’s footprint. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await further announcements regarding fight card details, logistics, and official confirmations from the White House and UFC leadership.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. The hearing showed that Jones tested positive for substances linked to clomiphene and letrozole, which are in Tadalafil, a drug he admitted using for erectile dysfunction.
Q. What did Jon Jones get positive for?
A. He was found to have Turinabol, which is an anabolic steroid, in his system. Because of this, he was temporarily suspended. On September 13, USADA announced that both his “A” and “B” samples tested positive for Turinabol.