Jon Jones Hints at UFC Return During Gable Steveson’s Camp Amid Tensions With Dana White

When Dana White officially unveiled the UFC Freedom 250 lineup during the UFC 326 broadcast, fans were thrilled to see Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira booked in marquee title fights on one of the most historic cards in promotional history. Pereira, in particular, was chasing a piece of UFC history as he moved up to heavyweight in pursuit of becoming the promotion’s first-ever three-division champion.

Although the Brazilian ultimately fell short against Ciryl Gane in his bid for the interim heavyweight title, the opportunity itself underscored his star power and accomplishments. The announcement, however, quickly sparked debate among fans. Many had expected Pereira to share the Octagon with Jon Jones in a blockbuster superfight rather than challenge Gane. 

Addressing the speculation, White offered a blunt explanation, stating that Jones was never under consideration for the Freedom 250 card due to concerns surrounding his arthritic hip and overall reliability. His comments further fueled speculation that the former two-division champion may have effectively reached the end of his UFC career.

Jones did not take those remarks lightly. Taking to social media, ‘Bones’ issued a fiery response that reignited discussion throughout the MMA community while also demanding an unconditional release from the UFC. He further claimed that he had been offered exactly $15 million to face Pereira on June 14, adding another layer to the growing tension between himself and the promotion. 

With the relationship between Jones and the UFC appearing increasingly fractured, many fans have come to believe that his fighting career is over. Yet Jones continues to leave the door open for a comeback. For the unversed, the former heavyweight champion has been heavily involved in the preparation of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, who is set to make his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11. 

Jones revealed that serving as Steveson’s primary training partner has helped keep him in excellent condition despite his lengthy absence from competition. He also credited stem-cell treatment in 2024 for helping him recover physically and suggested that a return to competition cannot be completely ruled out.

Responding to a fan who asked whether he would also be making a comeback, much like Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return after five years away from the Octagon, Jones hinted that a return to competition cannot be completely ruled out. He replied, “Never say never, right now we are finishing up Gable‘s training camp. He’s looking extraordinary. I’ve been his main training partner, and I’m moving like I never left. Stem cells must be working.”

Never say never, right now we are finishing up Gable‘s training camp. He’s looking extraordinary. I’ve been his main training partner, and I’m moving like I never left. 🤷🏾 stem cells must be working. https://t.co/jZReRFKUP2

— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 26, 2026

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Jones has not competed since successfully defending the heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. In the months that followed, he repeatedly resisted a title unification bout with Tom Aspinall despite prolonged negotiations, a saga that ultimately ended with Jones announcing his retirement shortly after UFC Baku last year.

Since then, his efforts to entice the UFC into bringing him back have produced little movement. Still, any hint of a return from Jones inevitably captures the attention of fight fans. While his latest comments should be viewed cautiously, given his history of changing course on retirement and comeback plans, the prospect of seeing him compete again remains one of the biggest storylines in combat sports. After all, Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters ever to step into an MMA cage. If he were to return, it would instantly become one of the most significant comebacks in UFC history.