Jon Jones Retirement Reversal? UFC White House Event Sparks Debate

A few months ago, Jon Jones shocked fans by announcing his retirement after consistently avoiding a unification bout against Tom Aspinall. According to multiple reports, he declined an enormous $30 million offer from the UFC, ruining Dana White‘s plans. However, the former heavyweight champion has now changed his mind and has expressed his desire to participate in the White House event.

Is Jon Jones really retired?

Following US President Donald Trump‘s announcement of the White House event, Jones has re-entered the UFC testing pool. The veteran believes fighting at the White House is a great honour, and it will be his tribute to the army veterans. However, his aspirations were initially halted by White, who didn’t agree to Jones being part of the White House event.

Instead of Jones, the UFC CEO showed more trust in former UFC double champion Conor McGregor, irrespective of his inactivity. It seems like, following the failed negotiations for the Tom Aspinall fight, the relationship between White and Jones has dampened. However, Jones hasn’t lost hope and has kept confidence in getting a fight on the fight card. “I’m not retired, I’m actively training 5 days a week and I’m in the UFC’s drug testing pool…I’m training for the [White House] event. I’ll be ready for the event that’s my goal, but ultimately it’s up to the boss,” Jones said in a recent interview.

🚨 Jon Jones says he is NOT retired and is training 5 days a week for the UFC White House event

"I'm not retired, I'm actively training 5 days a week and I'm in the UFC's drug testing pool…

I'm training for the [White House] event, I'll be ready for the event… but… pic.twitter.com/dS6r3uBiYZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 8, 2025

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Can Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall ever take place?

Earlier this year, Jon Jones was slammed by the fans and other experts for allegedly ducking Tom Aspinall. Many believe that ‘Bones’ was scared of losing to a young fighter like Aspinall with incredible knockout power. White constantly pushed that fight, convincing fans that the fight was a top priority, but it didn’t take place. Irrespective of criticism from fans, Jones didn’t care and mocked Aspinall’s credentials.

Jones unexpectedly retired instead of accepting the highly anticipated unification fight, which ultimately helped elevate Aspinall to recognized champion status. Now, the UK native has firmly refused to grant Jones a title shot at the upcoming White House event, citing a lack of interest. Aspinall has openly expressed that he doesn’t want to participate in repeated, difficult negotiations with Jones following prior frustrating negotiations.