Jon Jones 'Accepts' Huge Fight With Long-Term Rival Ahead of UFC Comeback
Jones has not fought in the UFC since November 2024 and retired from MMA earlier this year.
Former two-weight UFC champion Jon Jones has teased a potential fight against a long-time foe despite having retired from MMA earlier this year.
Jones, 38, is widely considered to be one of the greatest UFC stars of all time, having held both the UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight titles during his 17-year career, which he called time on in the summer of 2025 despite current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall chasing a fight with ‘Bones’.
Jones even supposedly turned down $30 million as he wasn’t interested in the Aspinall bout.
Since then, the 38-year-old has been dealing with the untimely death of his older brother, Arthur, who died on October 3.
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Despite Jones seemingly having already called time on his career, he has recently admitted that he was “approached” about facing one of his fiercest former rivals.
In an X post, the American claimed that he was approached about “grabbling DC [Daniel Cormier] for charity”.
"I said absolutely,” Jones wrote.
“Let’s see what comes of it. 3-0."
Of course, Jones and Cormier have previously shared an octagon on two occasions, with the former winning their 2015 showdown by decision.
Jones also won the 2017 bout by knockout, but the decision was overturned and made a no-contest due to the New Yorker violating doping rules.
Despite both fights being entertaining, the build-up was arguably more exciting.
Their beef dates back to 2014, when they came to blows at a press conference.
Jones rested his forehead against Cormier’s before ‘DC’ pushed him away, causing ‘Bones’ to lunge at him with the pair then tumbling off stage before a scrum ensued.
In one behind-the-scenes video ahead of the fight, Jones even said he was going to “kill” Cormier after the latter threatened to spit in his face.
And it’s fair to say the now-retired pair are still not best friends all these years later, with fans still likely to tune in even if they engage in a grappling contest for charity.
But could we also see Jones return to the UFC?
According to the 38-year-old, he still harbours the ambition of competing at UFC White House, set to take place on June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C.
Speaking on the Geoffrey Woo podcast released on November 21, Jones said: “My goals aren't traditional anymore.
"Most fighters wouldn't turn down $30m, they just wouldn't do that. My goals are different these days.
"The White House would be something for my personal list."
Jones then homed in on wanting to fight UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and described him as being “blessed” while having the “‘it’ factor” that can’t be taught.
"Pereira, fighting a guy like that, brings more to the table for me,” Jones said.
"How cool would that be? Just to be a part of the White House card."
Topics: Jon Jones, UFC, Daniel Cormier, MMA, Tom Aspinall
Luke Davies