Jon Jones has drawn a bold parallel between his planned UFC comeback and the iconic ‘Thrilla in Manilla’.
Jon Jones sent shockwaves through MMA when he announced his retirement following months of negotiations to face Tom Aspinall. Not long after, he walked back that decision, and the former heavyweight champion has now shared his plans to step back into the Octagon.
Often considered the greatest fighter in UFC history, Jones is eyeing a return at The White House next year. He was reportedly inspired by President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a card set to take place at the historic venue.
Jon Jones hints at Tom Aspinall clash as UFC return speculation grows
Since taking the vacant title, Aspinall has been clear about wanting to breathe new life into the division. The UFC is reportedly lining up a contender bout between Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida, with the winner likely getting a shot at Aspinall.
But Jones seems ready to jump straight back into the mix, looking to reclaim his title rather than wait for the official challenger to be decided.
Speaking during a walk-and-talk interview with TikToker Joy Of Everything, Jones likened his return to some of boxing’s most famous events.
“I can’t promise anyone anything, but I have a very strong feeling that I’ll be on that card,” Jones said.
“I think it’s going to be historic. It will be as big as the ‘Thrilla in Manilla’, or ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’, it’s up there with that. Essentially, it could be bigger than that. I would want to take on whoever is holding the belt at the end of the year. As of right now, the champion is Tom Aspinall, but we’ll see who the champion is at the end of the year.
“I feel like to have an American fight for a championship that night, I would put it all on the line…right now, I’m just trying to be a good citizen.”
Jones last fought in November 2023 when he stopped Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 before stepping away from fighting amid stalled contract negotiations with Dana White and company.
White remained confident throughout last year that fans would get Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall in 2025, but apparently those plans will have to wait until next year.
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The event may also feature another huge name looking to make his return: Conor McGregor.
The former two-division champion hasn’t fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 but has been hinting at a comeback next year.
Bare Knuckle FC president David Feldman recently stated that McGregor told him he’s serious about returning and has already re-entered testing protocols ahead of his planned return.
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