Jon Jones may be returning to the octagon soon. At least that is what the UFC anti-doping records updated earlier this week suggest.

The former two-division champion vacated the heavyweight throne and retired in 2025 instead of fighting then-interim 265-pound titleholder Tom Aspinall.

However, as soon as the UFC Freedom 250 card was announced, “Bones” immediately jumped back in the testing pool and showed interest in fighting at the White House. However, he did not get a chance to compete on June 14, about which he alleged the UFC brass lowballed him. Hence, he decided not to make a comeback. He also asked the promotion to release him if they believe he has nothing more to offer.

News also surfaced that Jon Jones is suffering from severe hip arthritis, for which he received stem cell therapy, and as per sources, he now feels better than ever.

Although UFC CEO Dana White and Jones’ arch-rival Daniel Cormier believe Jones will not return to the octagon, the former champion has kept the door open for a comeback and was recently seen speaking with Hunter Campbell.

In the past few months, Jones helped his protege Gable Steveson prepare for his heavyweight debut. Now that Steveson has announced his arrival in the heavyweight division in style with a first-round knockout victory at UFC 329 and already has a bout scheduled for UFC 331, Jones may be tempted to make his long-awaited return.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 11: Gable Steveson and his team pose for a photograph following a heavyweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

The UFC anti-doping database shows that “Bones” has been tested three times already in 2026, meaning he’s eligible to compete.

Who can Jon Jones lock horns with if he returns to the octagon?

The first and arguably most anticipated matchup is a heavyweight superfight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira. Both have called each other out numerous times, and Jones believes “Poatan” is easy game for him, since the Brazilian doesn’t have the wrestling background. Both fighters are also 39 years old, making this a bout that makes perfect sense to book before either man hangs up his gloves

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 14: (L-R) Jon Jones and Alex Pereira attend the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

The UFC can also do Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, a fight Dana White promised would happen but never did.

Although Aspinall, by law, has to face current and two-time interim champion Ciryl Gane, as fans know, anything can happen when the UFC and the champion have big plans. Jon Jones previously chose to defend his undisputed belt against Stipe Miocic instead of fighting the then-interim heavyweight champion Aspinall, and now the Brit could do the same by pursuing a superfight with Jones and punishing Gane for the double eye-poke saga.

ABU DHABI, UAE – OCTOBER 25: Tom Aspinall (red) of UK competes against French fighter Ciryl Gane (blue) in the Men’s heavyweight category during the UFC 321 Mixed Martial Arts event held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on October 25, 2025. (Photo by Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.