Jon Jones defeated Miocic by knockout and defended his belt at UFC 309 . Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC
Jon Jones re-entered the UFC's anti-doping testing program on Friday (4), just 14 days after announcing his retirement. The former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), excited by the possibility of competing in the organization's event at the White House, announced the decision on his X account (formerly Twitter).
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“I just re-entered the testing pool. That lasted about two weeks. We decided to keep all options open,” Bones wrote on his official X account.
The move reopens the possibility of the fighter fighting for the belt against Tom aspinall, current title holder. Jones' surprising departure from MMA had been announced by Dana White on June 21, after UFC in Azerbaijan.
Just re-entered the testing pool, which lasted for about two weeks. Figured we'd keep everyone's options open.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 4, 2025
Jon Jones has been criticized for retirement
The brief retirement fueled criticism from athletes like the Brazilian Renato Moicano. In June, the UFC lightweight accused Jones of 'tarnishing his own legacy' by avoiding a fight with Aspinall and retiring after two years of inactivity since his win against Stipe Miocic.
Jones' career remains one of the most dominant in the history of the sport. He has 28 wins (16 for the title), one loss and one no-contest. The American also has 12 title defenses in the light heavyweight division, an all-time record for the division, and 20 consecutive unbeaten fights in the UFC.
Return to the anti-doping testing program
The return to the anti-doping testing program, a mandatory requirement for active fighters, signals that Jon Jones may seek a fight against Aspinall to unify the title.
The UFC testing program requires athletes to be available for random swabs for six months before competing. Bones' return immediately begins that process.
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