Formeradversary publicly accuses Jon Jones of dishonesty regarding retirement claims following Tom Aspinall incident, labeling him as smug and arrogant.
UFC Star Jon Jones Targets Comeback in 2026, but Not Headlining White House Card
Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight and current heavyweight champion, has announced his intention to return to the octagon in 2026, with a potential comeback fight at a high-profile event scheduled for the White House. However, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that Jones will not be the headliner for this event, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Jones' exact return fight.
Jones' potential return has sparked interest, particularly among his fellow UFC fighters. Dominick Reyes, who lost to Jones via unanimous decision in a light heavyweight title bout, has expressed his desire for a rematch. Reyes, who returned to MMA in June 2024 and has since embarked on a three-fight winning streak, will face Carlos Ulberg in a light heavyweight title eliminator bout in the main event of UFC Perth on September 27.
Reyes has been vocal about his thoughts on Jones, stating that he should either announce his retirement or demand more money or conditions for a fight. He has also dubbed Jones as 'smug and arrogant', accusing him of stringing people along and not being genuine. Reyes' comments echo those of Briton Aspinall, who had been challenging Jones for a title bout for months before Jones' retirement.
The feelings towards Jones are not just limited to his opponents. Several members of the MMA fraternity believe that Reyes should have won his bout against Jones, adding to the frustration among fans. Reyes himself has acknowledged the anger towards Jones, stating that fans are upset because Jones tries to play with them.
Despite the controversy, Jones remains open to fighting in 2026 if the right opportunity arises. His last defense of the heavyweight title came over two-and-a-half years ago, and he retired shortly after. However, he has since reversed his decision, setting the stage for a potential comeback.
As the UFC White House card approaches, fans and fighters alike will be keeping a close eye on Jones' next move. The question remains: will Jones secure a place in the headline act, or will he have to settle for a less prominent role in his return to the UFC?
Jones' potential comeback in 2026 has caused a stir in the world of sports, with fans and fellow athletes expressing interest. This includes Dominick Reyes, who seeks a rematch after their light heavyweight title bout in 2019. meanwhile, boxing and MLB are entirely separate sports that Jones might also find appealing, should he desire variety in his athletic ventures. The UFC's MMA competitions, such as UFC Perth where Reyes faces Ulberg, continue to captivate audiences and offer exciting prospects for event headlining.
