Jon Jones is eyeing a return. The former UFC heavyweight champ, who retired on June 21, 2025, announced on social media on July 4 that he’s back in the UFC’s drug testing pool. This comes after President Donald Trump revealed plans for a UFC championship fight on the White House grounds in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Jones, clearly excited, confirmed he’s keeping his options open for the historic event.
Jones’ Clear Intent
Jones didn’t mince words.
“Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks,” he posted. “Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open.”
He added, “Fighting at The White House?” with an eyes emoji, showing enthusiasm for Trump’s plan for a title fight on the South Lawn.
The event, led by UFC CEO Dana White, could host 25,000 fans as part of the America 250 celebration.
Fighting at the White House? 👀
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 4, 2025
Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks. Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 4, 2025
His return to testing shows he’s serious about fighting again. UFC rules require six months in the drug testing pool before competing, suggesting a 2026 comeback. Trump announced the White House fight on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, calling it a major part of the nation’s 250th birthday.
On June 17, 2025, Jones was charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly leaving the scene of a February 21, 2025, car crash in Albuquerque. A police report says a woman, found intoxicated and partially unclothed in the passenger seat, claimed Jones was driving and fled. Jones denied being in the car, saying she left his home intoxicated and called him after the crash. His attorney, Christopher Dodd, called the charge “unwarranted,” alleging police targeted Jones and that the woman lied to avoid a DUI. Jones faces a July 24, 2025, court date.
Jones, 37, born in Rochester, New York, started in MMA in 2008. He became the youngest UFC champ in 2011, winning the light heavyweight title at 23 against Mauricio Rua. With a 27-1 record and 1 no-contest, he defended the 205-pound belt eight times, beating Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen, Alexander Gustafsson, Glover Teixeira, and Quinton Jackson. He won the heavyweight title in 2023, submitting Ciryl Gane, and knocked out Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in 2024. Legal troubles include a 2015 hit-and-run conviction, a 2021 domestic violence arrest, and a 2024 case where he completed anger management for misdemeanor charges involving a drug tester.
The White House fight, confirmed by the UFC to The Hollywood Reporter, is part of America 250, a yearlong celebration starting July 4, 2025, with events at national parks and historic sites. No fighters or date are set, but Jones, who retired after avoiding interim champ Tom Aspinall, could face him, now the undisputed champ. Conor McGregor has also expressed interest, adding hype to the event. Jones, a longtime friend of Dana White, sees this as a chance to end his career on a historic stage.
