Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Jon Jones shocked the MMA world with his announced retirement last month, only to quickly reverse course by rejoining the drug testing pool and reigniting speculation about his future in the sport. The Jon Jones UFC retirement comeback has stirred fresh excitement around a potential high-stakes showdown with Tom Aspinall, while drawing strong reactions from rivals and fans alike.
UFC CEO Dana White revealed Jones’ retirement, signaling a potential exit of one of MMA’s brightest stars. Despite heated criticism over allegedly avoiding a pay-per-view unification fight against Aspinall — reportedly tied to Jones’ demand for around $30 million — UFC executives appeared willing to meet his financial terms. Nonetheless, Jones’ decision to enter the US Anti-Doping Agency testing pool just two weeks after retirement reignited the conversation about his return.
Adding fuel to the fire, former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at hosting a White House fight card next year, and Jones, proud of his Albuquerque roots, has expressed interest in participating in such a legacy event. Since then, Jones has been highly active on social media, sparking intense buzz about his plans and underscoring his ambition to reclaim championship glory and headline a major pay-per-view.
Former Rival Lauds Jones’ Media Comeback and Builds Anticipation for Aspinall Bout
Among Jones’ outspoken critics, ex-light heavyweight contender Chael Sonnen has surprisingly praised his recent media work as some of his best. Sonnen, known for his brash commentary and historical clashes with Jones, expressed renewed interest in Jones’ career since the retirement announcement, particularly in the prospective fight against Aspinall.
“Are you more interested in Jon right now than you were 18 days ago when the announcement of the retirement was made? Are you more interested in Jon vs. Tom? …I’ll answer my own question: yeah, I am more interested in Jon; I feel that the work Jon has done in the media lately is some of Jon’s finest work.” —Chael Sonnen via his Official YouTube channel
The Oregon native faced Jones unsuccessfully for the light heavyweight title at UFC 159 in 2013, and he has long criticized Jones’ perceived avoidance of the unification fight. Sonnen and others characterized Jones as less of a pay-per-view draw compared to peers like Conor McGregor, highlighting how Jones struggled to produce blockbuster events outside marquee matchups like UFC 309 vs. Stipe Miocic.
Jones’ recent social media resurgence has included subtle taunts toward doubters, asserting his strategic approach to career moves. His tweet underscored that his actions are deliberate rather than impulsive:
“It’s always entertaining watching the naysayers act like they’ve got me figured out. They forget this isn’t checkers, it’s chess. You don’t get this far in the game moving without purpose.” —Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 11, 2025
While Jones’ external controversies, including a recent criminal summons related to a hit-and-run allegation, have kept him in headlines, his focused effort to remain relevant has garnered respect from some commentators like Sonnen. The ongoing speculation about whether the Aspinall fight will happen continues to create a buzz among fans and analysts alike.
Enduring Rivalry with Daniel Cormier Adds Fire to the Return Story
Jones’ complicated history with Daniel Cormier has played out over many years, defined by intense competition, rivalry, and controversy. As a former two-division UFC champion himself, Cormier defeated Jones twice, although one victory was later nullified due to Jones’ positive test for a banned substance. In 2016, Jones tested positive for multiple estrogen blockers ahead of a bout against Ovince Saint Preux, intensifying scrutiny over his career.
Cormier has often been vocal about Jones’ lapses outside the octagon, including allegations of drug use, inactivity, and legal issues, while acknowledging Jones’ ability to dominate multiple weight classes over a prolonged period. However, Cormier criticized Jones for retiring without facing Aspinall, implying it tarnishes his legacy.
More recently, Cormier expressed frustration over Jones re-entering the drug testing pool, viewing it as creating false hope about the highly anticipated Aspinall fight after previously delaying his return for nearly 600 days. This dynamic keeps their rivalry alive even beyond their active fighting careers.
Jones responded to these critiques with a pointed message on social media addressing his evolution and growth over time, signaling a philosophical approach to his career and personal decisions.
“Sometimes you gotta know when to quit, sometimes you gotta know when to let things go. We should be constantly evolving, quitting certain things could be the best decision a person ever made.” —Jon Jones via X
Their feud has never fully settled, with Jones’ knockout loss by head kick at UFC 217 and drug test failures continuing to fuel debate among fans and insiders about legacy and fairness. This rivalry remains one of the most prominent narratives accompanying Jones’ potential comeback.
Implications for UFC and Future Championship Landscape
Jon Jones’ sudden pivot from retirement back to active status reshuffles the UFC heavyweight division, which has faced stagnation in his absence. His return could rejuvenate interest in championship fights, potentially delivering a high-profile headliner against Tom Aspinall that fans and fighters have eagerly anticipated.
Jones’ ability to negotiate lucrative deals and command the media spotlight suggests he remains a significant figure in the sport’s business landscape. If the rumored White House event materializes, it could further elevate his stature and create a unique stage for an iconic encounter.
Meanwhile, his contentious relationship with Cormier and other rivals continues to add layers of drama, promising compelling narratives inside and outside the cage as UFC moves toward the next chapter of its heavyweight division.
Whether Jones will finalize a definitive fight date with Aspinall remains uncertain, but the ongoing media presence and divisive public opinion have certainly reignited debate about the greatest fighters of this era. UFC brass and executives will have to balance negotiation complexities with fan expectations as they navigate Jones’ uncertain yet tantalizing return.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. Jones received a temporary suspension due to the situation. On September 13, USADA confirmed that both “A” and “B” samples from Jones tested positive for Turinabol. Consequently, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) changed the fight outcome to a no contest.
Q. What was Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. During the hearing, it was found that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are found in Tadalafil, a medication for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted to using.