Jon Jones news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Jon Jones says he may never fight again and regrets missing the UFC White House card.
The retired champion now focuses on coaching Gable Steveson after a 12-second KO loss.
Background
Jones last fought at UFC 309 in November 2024, beating Stipe Miocic to defend the heavyweight title, then vacated the belt and retired in June 2025. He had been linked to a comeback for the UFC White House event on June 14, 2026, but did not compete on that card. He has since moved into coaching, most visibly mentoring Olympic wrestling gold medalist and UFC heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson.
How it unfolded
- Nov 16, 2024Jones beat Stipe Miocic by third-round TKO at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, defending the UFC heavyweight title.
- Jun 2025Jones retired from MMA, vacating the heavyweight title and ending hopes of a fight with then-interim champion Tom Aspinall.
- Jun 14, 2026The UFC White House event (UFC Freedom 250) took place in Washington, D.C.; Jones did not compete on the card.
- Sep 2026Gable Steveson was knocked out in 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331; Jones was in his corner and left the Octagon before his opponent had his hand raised.
- Oct 10, 2026Jones said he believes the Miocic fight was his last, revealed regret over missing the White House event, and admitted he may never fight again despite staying in the UFC drug-testing pool.
- Oct 12, 2026Jones said he plans to significantly increase sparring in Steveson's preparations and that he believes in his protege, who 'deserves good things.'
- Oct 13, 2026Jones again called missing the White House card one of his biggest regrets and predicted Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit at UFC 334, also sharing thoughts on Alex Pereira vs. Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- UFC president Dana White said Jones was never in contention for the Freedom 250 card and was effectively retired.
- Analysts
- Joe Rogan argued Jones isn't helping Steveson's career and that his presence around Steveson may have backfired in the UFC.
- Caution
- Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington called Jones a 'terrible human being' while criticizing his role as Steveson's coach.
- Support
- Jones said he believes in Steveson, called him an extraordinary athlete and good person, and said the team needs to add much more sparring.
Still unverified
Jones has reportedly turned down a grappling match against Daniel Cormier multiple times over the past several months.