Dana White drops major bombshell on Jon Jones' UFC return and names exact date for his next fight

UFC boss Dana White has given a massive update on when fans can expect to see heavyweight champion Jon Jones back in the octagon.

In November, heavyweight champion Jones returned from his 20 month injury lay off with a knockout victory over heavyweight great Stipe Miocic.

Ever since Jones' massive win, fans have been clamouring for the American to stay active and defend his belt again as soon as possible, with interim champion Tom Aspinall the ideal opponent.

And now, UFC CEO and President White has revealed exactly when we should expect to see Jones back in action.

In the build up to the fight with Miocic, Jones made it clear that he would be considering retiring once he successfully defended his heavyweight belt for the first time.

But it now appears that this will not be the case, as White has said that he expects the 37-year-old to be back in just a few months time.

While appearing ESPN's First Take, the UFC boss was asked if Jones would be open to fighting current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

"Jones will fight anybody. Don't let the internet fool you about Jon Jones, he wants to do it," said White.

And when asked when we can expect to see Jones back, White confidently replied: "This summer."

Heavyweight champion Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic via knockout in the third round in his last fight. (Image: Getty)

Although fans would undoubtedly be excited to see Jones face off against Pereira, many would be frustrated if his next fight wasn't against interim champ Aspinall.

“Where we’re at right now is, I have spoke to the UFC on multiple occasions on this fight,” Aspinall while discussing the Jones on his YouTube channel.

“I’m chasing it. I want the fight. I’ve been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying, ‘I want the fight. When’s it happening?’

"What is holding it up right now is his side. That’s the truth of it. The UFC really, really want the fight to happen. This is one of the biggest fights in MMA. Does he want to put himself in a position where he’s comfortable enough financially to take the risk that he’s taking to fight me?"