Jon Jones has left the door open for a possible return to the UFC by re-entering the company’s drug testing pool.
The two-weight world champion hung up his gloves two weeks ago.
However, he is seemingly willing to reverse his retirement to fight at the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he wants to stage a UFC event at his official residence as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations next July.
“We’re going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House”, said Trump at a rally in Iowa.
“We have a lot of land there. Dana’s going to do it.”
Although the event hasn’t been made official just yet, several big-name fighters are jostling for the headline slot.
Conor McGregor shared a series of direct messages between him and UFC president Dana White, discussing the possibility of him fighting on the card, while Jones has thrown his hat into the ring as well.
“Fighting at the White House?” Jones posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Just re-entered the testing pool, that lasted for about two weeks. Figured we’d keep everyone’s options open.”
In order to return to the Octagon, UFC fighters must re-enter the drug testing pool for at least six months.
It remains to be seen whether Jones has actually re-entered the pool, with no official confirmation from the UFC at the time of writing.
Jones last competed in November 2024 in a routine stoppage victory over an ageing Stipe Miocic to retain his UFC heavyweight title.
The 37-year-old was then expected to defend his belt against long-suffering interim champion Tom Aspinall, although Jones chose to hang up his gloves instead.
Taking to social media last month, he wrote: “Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC.
“This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.
“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport.
“Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever.
“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.
“I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter.
“Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead.
“MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways.
“Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
