Jon Jones’ Return Plans After UFC 309
Jon Jones’ heavyweight title era entered a new phase after his UFC 309 defense against Stipe Miocic. Jones later retired, left open a possible return, and did not face interim champion Tom Aspinall.
UFC 309 Was His Last Fight
On November 16, 2024, Jones stopped Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick and punches at 4:29 of Round 3, retaining the heavyweight championship. The anticipated unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall never took place. In June 2025, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Jones had retired and that Aspinall was being elevated to undisputed champion. See the official UFC 309 result and UFC’s report on Jones’ retirement.
White House Negotiations Fell Through
Jones later reversed course and pursued a return for the UFC’s 2026 White House card. He said talks had taken place for a fight with Alex Pereira, while White said Jones had not been seriously considered. Jones was not booked for the June 14 event and publicly asked for his release after the disagreement. He later said the missed opportunity was one of his biggest regrets. MMA Fighting reported the release request and event dispute; Jones discussed the regret in October.
Jones Leaves the Door Open
In October 2026, Jones said he would “more than likely” not fight again, while also saying he was leaving the door open. He remains in the UFC’s drug-testing pool, but no comeback bout has been announced. Jones has not competed since the Miocic fight. His latest comments and testing status were reported on October 10.
The later record is less certain: he defended his title, retired, explored a high-profile return, and now says he is unlikely to compete again.
