How Jon Jones returning could change the heavyweight landscape

Earlier this month the former UFC champion said it’s unlikely he’ll ever fight again. He also said he is still in the UFC’s drug-testing pool and is weighing his options to come back . 

The outcome leaves the  heavyweight division in a tricky situation. Jon Jones hasn’t competed since his win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024. He retired in June 2025, but rumours of a return began circulating when the UFC announced its White House event. He didn’t ultimately make the card on June 14.

There is still no fixed date for Jones’ return, much less any promise that he will ever fight again. But there are a few games that could put him back in the spotlight immediately if he decides to change his mind.

The White House Fight That Never Happened

Jones had hoped to attend the White House event, but a deal never materialised. It was more about the money and other stuff. Meanwhile, Jones has been vocal about the numbers being discussed for a potential fight, even as UFC CEO Dana White wondered whether Jones was ready and reliable enough to fight.

Jones also expressed frustration with the negotiations and asked to be released from his UFC contract. The proposed matchup with Alex Pereira never happened, and Jones was left watching as the event went ahead without him.

Jones also asked to be released from his UFC contract, with the talks being cited as the reason for his unhappiness. Jones watched on the sidelines as the action unfolded, his planned bout with Alex Pereira never materialising.

But in the heavyweight division, the card still had a major impact. Ciryl Gane knocked out Pereira to win the interim heavyweight belt. A few months later Tom Aspinall vacated the undisputed title due to lingering issues from the eye damage he suffered in the fight against Gane in October 2025.

Gane was later announced as the undisputed champion and will defend the belt against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14 in New York. Jones is still unsure but the division has moved on. 

Three Fights That Could Make Sense for Jones

Alex Pereira: The Fight the Fans Wanted to See

If Jones ever does decide to return, Pereira is still a clear option. While Jones relies on his wrestling, grappling and experience, Pereira is one of the sport’s most dangerous strikers. They have very different skill sets. And although their potential White House showdown never materialised, it would draw a tonne of attention. The question was whether the two sides could agree to the terms.

Ciryl Gane: Jones has already defeated Gane once. He earned the heavyweight title by beating the Frenchman in the first round at UFC 285 in March 2023. Since then Gane has had his ups and downs but he has got the belt back. A rematch would give Jones a clear path back to the top and Gane a chance to avenge that loss. Of course that would depend on how much Jones really wants to play.

Alexander Volkov: Volkov would add something else. Even if they’ve never fought before, the Russian heavyweight has the size, reach and experience to make the fight interesting. Additionally, it would give Jones an opportunity to come back without immediately contending for a championship. Whether the UFC would go that route is unclear, but it would be another hurdle for a former champ coming off a long layoff.

Does Jon Jones Still Have a Comeback in Him?

That’s the key question, and Jones hasn’t given fans much reason to expect a comeback anytime soon. He hasn't ruled out a fight completely but his latest comments have been more retirement-leaning.

In the meantime we have a new heavyweight champion and a title defence on the horizon, with Aspinall himself a former champion eager to get back into the ring. Jones would be re-entering a division that hasn’t slowed down since he left, but any fight he agreed to would be of huge interest.