Jon Jones Hints at UFC Return After Downtime

Current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones suggested his return to the Octagon with an intriguing video he shared on Instagram this Tuesday.

About 18 months after initial discussions, Jones released a series of ambiguous messages concerning his comeback and a potential fight against Tom Aspinall.

While Jones is the current heavyweight titleholder, Aspinall holds the interim belt, and their highly anticipated match has yet to be scheduled.

Jones secured the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023 at UFC 285 by defeating Ciryl Gane in the first round. His only title defense was against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024.

Aspinall, a British MMA fighter, claimed the interim title by defeating Sergei Pavlovich when Jones was sidelined due to injury and subsequently defended it successfully in July 2024.

On Tuesday, a video of Jones went viral, where he stated, “I’m done.”

Later that day, Jones posted a clip on his Instagram story with the caption: “Have you ever seen a dog correct another dog like this?”

The video depicted one dog incessantly barking at another, before a third dog intervened, quickly subduing the barking dog.

“What I feel like returning to the UFC after some much needed downtime,” Jones commented.

Jones also addressed criticism and the increasing fan pressure for the unification bout.

“Yall barkin up the wrong tree, I told the UFC my plans a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet.

Lol do I come across as the type of person who cares about things like [being stripped of the title] […] This, this attitude, right here is making me a very wealthy man. This desperation [from fans] is incredibly lucrative, so thank you. Keep it coming.”