Jon Jones has a new fight plan after UFC retirement and White House setback

18 May 2026 • 10:20 PM MYT
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Image from: Jon Jones has a new fight plan after UFC retirement and White House setback
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Jon Jones appears open to competing again, but not necessarily in MMA.

Jones announced his retirement in June 2025 after talks collapsed over a heavyweight title unification bout with Tom Aspinall. He later reversed course after the White House card idea emerged.

That return did not develop as he hoped. After months of speculation, ‘Bones’ was left out of the card and now appears willing to compete elsewhere, with boxing emerging as one possible route.

Jon Jones claims he would love to start boxing

Image from: Jon Jones has a new fight plan after UFC retirement and White House setback
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Speaking to Denise White after the MVP card, Jones said boxing is something he wants to explore. He suggested a focused switch could change how people view his striking.

He said: “You know, I really wanted to box. If I were to put all my energy into just my hands and combinations and punching power, I think I’d really surprise a lot of people”

“I would love to box. That would be a lot of fun,” the former UFC two-weight champion concluded.

A late-career move to boxing would be intriguing because Jones’ MMA success was built on broader tools rather than pure punch power.

His kicks, elbows, wrestling and ground-and-pound have defined much of his dominance.

Jon Jones says UFC contract exit is ‘very possible’

Jones also told White he believes leaving his UFC deal can happen. That issue remains central to any move into boxing or another promotion.

“I think getting out of my UFC contract is very, very possible. I need to find the right people on both of my channels,” he stated.

The UFC is expected to make any exit difficult. Jones remains a major name, and his move could strengthen rival MMA or boxing promotions.

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