Jon Jones may have retired from the UFC, but it appears the door to another run at heavyweight was never completely closed. Jones officially walked away from MMA after a lengthy period of uncertainty surrounding his future. For months, the former two-division champion debated whether he wanted to continue fighting, particularly with the UFC heavyweight championship picture becoming increasingly complicated.
Now, just 15 months into his retirement, the itch to compete may be returning. Jones’ training partner and friend, Gable Steveson, recently revealed that “Bones” is once again contemplating a return to the Octagon. With the UFC heavyweight championship suddenly up for grabs, the timing could be significant.
“I called Jon today, and he’s, honestly, he’s honored to have the opportunity to maybe come back,” Steveson said. “And so you know, he’s always had gold around his waist. It’s cool to have him in my corner. We train every day one-on-one together.”
That statement is notable because Jones has spent much of his career with a championship belt attached to his legacy. The opportunity to potentially reclaim the heavyweight throne could provide the motivation he needs to reverse course on retirement.
The situation became even more interesting following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the UFC heavyweight championship.
Aspinall and Jones were at the center of one of the UFC’s biggest heavyweight storylines over the past several years. Their anticipated matchup never materialized, with Aspinall repeatedly waiting for an opportunity to unify the division.
Jones ultimately retired, while Aspinall became the undisputed heavyweight champion. Now the division has been thrown back into uncertainty. For Jones, that uncertainty could represent an opportunity.
A Different Heavyweight Landscape
Jones would not be returning to the same division he left. At 39 years old, the former light heavyweight champion would be attempting to make another run at the heavyweight title against a division that continues to evolve. His experience, championship pedigree and ability to compete at an elite level would immediately make his potential return one of the biggest stories in the sport.
But Jones wouldn’t necessarily have a direct path back to the championship. The UFC would have to determine how to handle the vacant title and where Jones fits into the equation. Depending on the promotion’s plans, Jones could potentially find himself needing another fight before challenging for gold.
Steveson understands that the division has to move forward. Despite Jones’ past public hostility toward Aspinall, Steveson made it clear that he remains a fan of the British heavyweight and hopes he eventually returns.
“I hope Tom gets well. I hope the eye gets healed up the way it should, and maybe he’ll step in the cage again,” Steveson said. “I’m not sure. But that’s going to be up to him.”
Steveson went even further in praising Aspinall.
“I’ve always been a Tom Aspinall fan. I think he’s an athletic gift from God that came down and struck the division.” But with Aspinall’s status uncertain, Steveson believes the heavyweight division must continue without him for now.
“Now it’s time to move on and kind of get the guys with the next gift to step up.”
Jones Still Has Something to Prove
The biggest question isn’t whether Jones can generate interest in a comeback. He unquestionably can. The question is whether he actually wants to make the sacrifices required for another championship run.
Jones has already accomplished virtually everything imaginable in the UFC. He became the youngest champion in UFC history, dominated the light heavyweight division for years and eventually captured heavyweight gold.
But his heavyweight reign ended with frustration. Jones won the vacant heavyweight championship by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, but his scheduled title defense against Stipe Miocic was delayed because of injury. When Jones finally returned, the division had changed dramatically around him.
A return now would give Jones another opportunity to leave the heavyweight division on his own terms. Unlike his previous comeback, there would be no shortage of stakes.
The heavyweight championship is there. Jones appears to be training. According to someone who trains with him every day, the itch to compete may be coming back. For a fighter who has spent his entire career chasing greatness, the opportunity to reclaim UFC gold could be difficult to ignore. Jon Jones may have announced his retirement. But retirement and Jon Jones have already proven to be two very different things.
Ryan Garcia Accuses Gervonta Davis of ‘Showing Fear’ as Rematch Hits Major Weight Roadblock
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
