Jon Jones isn’t just back, he’s back with purpose. Just weeks after confirming his retirement to Dana White, the former two-division UFC champion has flipped the switch. Jones comes out of retirement, and he’s gunning for the biggest stage imaginable: a main event slot on the White House lawn.
The turning point came fast. On the morning of July 4, President Donald Trump announced plans to host a UFC fight at the White House to mark America’s 250th anniversary next year. Hours later, Jones was back in fight mode.
“Donald made his announcement on the morning of the Fourth of July, I called the UFC headquarters that very same afternoon,” Jones revealed. “I’ll just leave it at that. America! Now that tickles my pickle.”
For Jones, this isn’t just about fighting, it’s about meaning. Legacy. History. Representing the country in front of its most powerful symbols. He isn’t chasing dollars; he’s chasing something deeper.
“It would be, for me it’s about the opportunity to represent America at the White House,” Jones said. “I don’t care who I fight that night. I found my reason why, that’s what I needed, something that was more than money.”
UFC president Dana White echoed that sentiment. During his sit-down with the Nelk Boys on the Full Send Podcast, he laid it out clearly, his dream main event for the card is Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. A heavyweight clash that could define an era, now back on the table thanks to Jones’ sudden return.
“The dream main event would be Aspinall vs. Jones,” White said. “He jumped back in the pool. No matter who popped up or who didn’t, we would have put on an incredible card.”
That dream seemed dead a few weeks ago. Jones had stepped aside. Aspinall claimed the undisputed title. And the fight that once looked destined never materialized. But Jones comes out of retirement with fresh fire and White isn’t letting the opportunity slip.
This won’t be just another UFC show. White called the proposed White House event “the baddest card of all time.” The plan is to set the Octagon between the White House and the Washington Monument, creating an atmosphere no fan has ever seen. Security will be airtight as this is a fight for history books, not just pay-per-view buys.
“While the fight is going on and we’re filming, one whole side of the backdrop will be the White House, and then the other side will be the Washington Monument,” White said. “It’s so unique, so badass… I don’t even think we’ll sell tickets to that event.”
Conor McGregor’s name is also in the mix, but White hasn’t locked that down yet. Still, the main attraction is clear. Jones comes out of retirement not just to fight, but to make a statement under the nation’s spotlight.
“Who knows what the future holds,” Jones said, “but the moment I heard Donald Trump‘s announcement, I started training again.”
Now back in the USADA testing pool, Jon Jones has officially triggered his comeback.
