Jon Jones opens up about potential Oleksandr Usyk boxing match, UFC contract and MMA return

Jon Jones hasn't competed in MMA since his TKO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November of 2024.

He vacated the UFC heavyweight title thereafter, and the division currently has Tom Aspinall as the UFC heavyweight champion and Ciryl Gane as the interim UFC heavyweight champion. 

Well, The Ring Magazine's Mike Coppinger recently reported that boxing's consensus lineal heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to compete in his final fight in late 2026 or early 2027, per Usyk's advisor Serhii Lapin. 

Usyk was said to be targeting a fight against either ex-WBC heavyweight champion pugilist Deontay Wilder or former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones. 

Jones -- who's beheld as an MMA great -- has now responded to the widespread speculation about whether he'd cross over to make his professional boxing debut against Usyk. 

Jon Jones is willing to face Oleksandr Usyk in MMA rather than boxing, suggesting that he's a complete fighter while Usyk's not

During a recent discussion with Manouk Akopyan of The Ring Magazine, Jon Jones opened up on various topics. 

In regard to his possible comeback to professional MMA competition, Jones reaffirmed that he remains a part of the UFC's drug testing pool and is open to returning. 

Around the 7:00-minute mark of the conversation, Jones stated, "When it comes to me actually fighting anyone, I just keep the door open. I'm still in the UFC's drug testing pool. I get drug tested, blood tested all the time." 

Also, when asked whether he'd be interested in a boxing match against Oleksandr Usyk, possibly under the UFC-affiliated Zuffa Boxing banner, Jones said, "No. Not at all. Usyk is Usyk, man. He's one of the absolute GOATs of boxing, at heavyweight boxing." 

The American athlete pointed out that he's aware of Usyk's having trained in wrestling extensively, adding that the wrestling training is why the pugilist is so dominant in the clinch. Jones added, "If he'd like to test his total combat skills, I would oblige him in that. 

Nevertheless, the wrestling savant, who'll turn 39 soon, implied that he wouldn't "handicap" himself by competing in the boxing match wherein he wouldn't be permitted to use his other striking and grappling maneuvers. 

The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion underscored that he's no boxer. But he insinuated that he's a complete fighter who'd surely best Usyk in a combat scenario where they aren't restricted to merely using punches. 

He seemingly opined that, of all the current heavyweight boxers, Usyk has the best shot at being competitive in an MMA fight. "Bones" clarified that he wouldn't face Usyk in a boxing match but is open to fighting him in MMA. 

Jones warned, "And I don't really consider Usyk to be a complete fighter. I think the world knows what would happen if we were locked in the same room. And I'll just leave it at that." 

Jon Jones sheds light on his UFC contract, possible MMA return inside the octagon

Jon Jones was said to have retired from MMA last June, but he notably reentered the organization's drug testing pool that July. He also asked to be on the UFC White House (UFC Freedom 250) card that transpired this June, but that didn't come to be. 

During his aforementioned conversation with The Ring Magazine's Manouk Akopyan, Jones signaled that he hasn't been offered a fight by the UFC as of yet but will take things as they come. 

He noted, "As long as I'm in the drug testing pool, the UFC are contractually obligated to be offer me a few fights a year." 

Furthermore, Jones asserted that he's focused on being a good father and enjoying life to the fullest, whilst also continuing his journey as an entrepreneur and coach. 

Watch Jon Jones discuss his combat sports future below: