Jon Jones and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson staged a shocking prank on UFC President Dana White during a press event in Los Angeles, catching the UFC boss completely off guard. The incident unfolded at a UFC press conference held in May 2015, ahead of their highly anticipated bout at UFC 187, marking Jones’s return after his victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 182.
Jones, renowned as one of the most dominant light heavyweights ever, and Johnson, known for his knockout power, took part in a seemingly intense faceoff that escalated quickly when their heads collided sharply during the staredown. Johnson then pushed Jones, prompting Dana White to step in, anticipating the typical heated altercation often linked with Jones’s press conference moments.
However, the confrontation was a carefully orchestrated act between the two fighters aimed directly at Dana White. When Jones reassured White that the incident was a prank, White’s embarrassed reaction revealed he had fallen for the ruse. To add insult to injury, Jones and Johnson mimicked the infamous ceremonial weigh-in clash between Jones and Cormier before UFC 182, further heightening the spectacle.
The aftermath: fight cancellation and career impact
Despite the buzz from the prank, the fight between Jones and Johnson never took place. Just weeks after the press conference, Jones was stripped of the UFC light heavyweight belt and suspended indefinitely following a hit-and-run accident in New Mexico. This suspension forced Anthony Johnson to face Daniel Cormier for the now-vacant title at UFC 187, where Johnson suffered a submission loss in the third round.
Jones would eventually make his return to the Octagon at UFC 197, defeating Ovince Saint-Preux to capture the interim light heavyweight championship. Sadly, Anthony Johnson’s career and life came to a premature end when he passed away in 2022 due to organ failure related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His professional MMA record stood at 23 wins and 6 losses, marking him as one of the sport’s most feared knockout artists.
Jon Jones’s mixed signals on retirement and possible UFC comeback
In a recent development filled with uncertainty, Jon Jones announced his retirement from MMA following prolonged contract negotiations with UFC officials about a potential fight against heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall, who was promoted from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion, is expected to return to action later this year, raising speculation about a Jones matchup.
Despite the retirement announcement, Jones has since re-entered the UFC’s drug testing program, fueling rumors that he might return to competition in 2026. Fans and analysts remain divided, with Jones’s sudden retirement stirring frustration and unease across the UFC community given his legendary status in the sport.
His return could once again shift the heavyweight division’s landscape, providing both excitement and apprehension among enthusiasts who anticipate whether Jones will deliver another unforgettable moment inside the Octagon.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. In the hearing, it was shown that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are present in Tadalafil, a drug for erectile dysfunction, which Jones admitted to using.