Colby Covington, a long-time rival of Jon Jones and active welterweight fighter, has publicly declared his readiness to face Jones in an openweight fight at an upcoming UFC event slated for the White House in 2026. This surprising challenge comes amid widespread anticipation surrounding Jones’s return from retirement, motivated by the UFC’s plan to host a pay-per-view event at this historic location.
Jon Jones returns to MMA with high-profile UFC event on the horizon
Jon Jones, who recently reversed his retirement decision, is reportedly targeting a high-stakes fight at the White House next summer. This proposed event marks the UFC’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, promising a significant payday for Jones. The former light heavyweight champion is expected to face heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall unless the belt changes hands beforehand. Jones’s recent antics have drawn considerable attention, setting the stage for a major showdown.
Details of Covington’s proposal and motivations for the fight
In an interview on FOX News Channel’s The Will Cain Show, Covington confirmed his interest in an openweight matchup with Jones. He emphasized the honor it would be to compete at such a prestigious event, pointing to the historic significance of the location and the involvement of influential promoters.
Oh, 100 percent. I’d fight Jones in an open weight class, so 100 percent,
Covington told FOX News Channel’s The Will Cain Show.
So it would be my great honor to fight at the White House on July 4, 2026.
—Colby Covington, UFC welterweight fighter
Potential impact of an openweight fight at the White House event
The prospect of an openweight fight between Jones and Covington raises questions about the UFC’s future matchmaking strategies. Given the rarity of openweight bouts in modern MMA and the high-profile nature of the planned White House event, this fight could draw exceptional attention and revenue. Fans and analysts alike remain curious whether the UFC will proceed with such an unprecedented matchup as part of its celebration of America’s milestone anniversary.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. During the hearing, it was revealed that Jones tested positive for metabolites of clomiphene and letrozole, which are found in Tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction medicine that Jones admitted to using.
Q. Why did Jon Jones have surgery?
A. Neil S. ElAttrache in California will perform surgery to remove bone spurs from Jones’s left elbow. In October, Jones had a procedure to fix a torn pectoral tendon. This injury might sideline him for the beginning of 2024. According to Jones, recovering from the bone spur surgery takes about 10 weeks, so it shouldn’t change his expected return time.
Q. Did Jon Jones ever lose?
A. Throughout his career, Jones was never defeated or scored on by an opponent. His sole professional loss is due to a disqualification against Matt Hamill, a decision that both Hamill and UFC president Dana White have contested.