Jon Jones retired from MMA last June. Jones’ reasoning for ending his career is simply a matter of ducking would-be opponents. “Bones” would become known for avoiding high-profile adversaries.
Prior to retiring from MMA, a UFC Heavyweight Championship unification battle with then-UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall was being thrown around as the next step on Jon Jones’ championship journey. However, Jones retired from the sport on June 20 in a phone call to UFC CEO Dana White before the fight could take place.
Tom Aspinall was elevated to the permanent champion at heavyweight in the promotion due to Jon Jones retiring from MMA this past summer. Aspinall made his first defense of the title on Saturday night’s UFC 321 versus Ciryl Gane. Due to an accidental foul (eye pokes) inside the opening round, the match was stopped and ruled a no-contest.
Jon Jones, Alex Pereira Down for Potential Superfight on White House Card
While nothing concrete has been finalized, the UFC’s 2026 schedule of events on its new United States streaming home of Paramount Plus is currently expected to feature a June 14 card on the grounds of The White House in Washington, DC.
In the wake of UFC 321 on Saturday night, both Jon Jones and current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira took to their respective social media channels to put their names to be added to the show late next spring.
“Let’s make the heavyweight division great again,” Pereira wrote in his Instagram post, showing him watching the medical timeout take place to ultimately spell the end of the UFC 321 main event. Jon Jones made his intentions known that he’d be down for a superfight in June.
“Alex, I’d be down to bring the highest skill level to the White House,” posted Jon Jones on X Saturday evening. “I appreciate the respect you showed, let’s dance.”
Alex, I’d be down to bring the highest skill level to the White House. I appreciate the respect you showed, let’s dance.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) October 25, 2025
Could a Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira Superfight Happen?
Jon Jones has had a laundry list of various problems which have prevented him from making the walk to the Octagon on scheduled fight nights as well as a strained relationship with the UFC at times, resulting in his vacation of the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Five years ago, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, he was a guest on Wild Ride!, a podcast hosted by Steve-O of the Jackass crew.
In the episode, Jones outlined his fractured rapport with the company at the time.
“I don’t want to fight soon,” he mentioned. “I have no interest in fighting in the UFC until I get paid what I’m worth. I’m not asking for anything outrageous and I know we’re in a pandemic, and I know you’re a multimillionaire and you’re asking for more, it makes you seem like a greedy person.”
A few days later, he gave up the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. It’s because of Jones’ checkered past that UFC CEO Dana White does not believe that “Bones” will set foot in the Octagon once more once June rolls around.
Thoughts on a Possible Fight Matching Jon Jones with Alex Pereira
Given that Jon Jones made his feelings known that he’d rather retire from active competition than take on Tom Aspinall in a bid to unify the UFC Heavyweight Championship, it’s entirely possible that Pereira will be the next man for Jon Jones to avoid. As someone who’s followed MMA since his college days at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, OH, seeing Jones potentially suspend his retirement to fight Pereira feels awkward.
This is a man who was finished with competition as soon as the summer solstice hit. Slightly over four months later, he’s thinking about walking the retirement back so that he can fight Alex Pereira next year.
It’ll be interesting to see if this contest actually happens next year.
